Villa, Arsenal’s old enemy, worries Arteta

Despite an August victory at Villa Park, manager Mikel Arteta does not want to take Unai Emery’s team for granted because their two losses to Aston Villa were a big factor in their defeat in the Premier League championship fight last season.

Seventh place Arsenal, the league’s second-place team, will face Villa on Saturday in an attempt to catch up to leaders Liverpool, who have won three straight games across all competitions.

Arteta told reporters on Friday, “They are a good side, that’s why they beat us last season.”

“We are aware of the team’s challenges, which explains their exceptional performance. Excellent athletes and a superb coach.

Arteta expressed his satisfaction that Arsenal had closed the gap with Liverpool following their 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. Nottingham Forest held the leads to a 1-1 draw that same day.

But Arsenal is still four points behind Liverpool, who have a game left.

“We want to be winning, and that’s why we’re playing. Internal pressure is the source. To be the finest version of yourself, you must flourish,” Arteta added.

Although he declined to comment on whether his club was closing on any specific player, the manager stated that adding a striker in January would improve his team.

“We are trying, actively, to find the best possible solution but we’ll have to wait and see what we can do,” said the Spaniard.