Mikel Arteta has said he wants every visiting team to suffer at the Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal host Aston Villa tonight in an intriguing top-of-the-table clash seeking to avenge their “cruel” defeat in the reverse fixture this month. Arteta’s league leaders lost 2-1 at Villa Park three weeks ago, when Emi Buendía scored a 95th-minute winner with the last kick of the game. Arsenal have lost three of their past five meetings with Villa, picking up just four points in the process. “We’re going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players,” said Arteta. “We want to be better and we know how important having the right availability with players is going to be this season.

Source: Irish Examiner December 30, 2025 10:45 UTC