Arsenal will not repeat same Man City mistake that cost them against Unai Emery and Aston Villa
Aston Villa did Arsenal a massive favour in Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over Manchester City but despite the scoreline matching the Gunners’ own win with the champions, there were stark differences in the performances. Where Arsenal decided to break up the City attacks and play industriously to stay in the game before taking their chance, Unai Emery’s side dominated City with chances and were not afraid to take advantage of the makeshift side Pep Guardiola had put together.
Villa were able to exploit the selection that Guardiola had chosen. There was a distinct lack of central midfield presence as Rico Lewis and John Stones with the aid of Manuel Akanji were expected to be the fulcrums of the middle third but it simply didn’t work. Villa’s orthodox central midfielders meant simple turnovers and space were at a premium.
Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans all worked to win the midfield battle and overrun the visitors. John McGinn was a great outlet on the left whilst Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey offered escape routes and threats on the turnover.
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly have watched the game with great interest to see where Manchester City went wrong on the day and try not to replicate their shortcomings. The Spaniard will of course not be on the touchline this weekend as he serves a pitch-side suspension after receiving his third yellow card in the late win at Luton Town.
The benefit the Gunners have is their midfield options certainly outweigh those of Man City. Rodri was suspended for the match and it showed.
Meanwhile, while Thomas Partey remains sidelined with yet another injury, Declan Rice has come into the side seamlessly and picked up Man of the Match awards like they are going out of fashion. The
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