Despite this home game, I'm sure Arsenal will still want to play an easier UEFA Europa League double-header against Bayern Munich than City did against Luton.
The fact that the Arsenal conceded a goal for the first time in their last four games since they suffered a midweek loss, and for the first time this year, they conceded two goals in a game, half of their 2024 total, is a testament to their impressive iron wall of defense.
Despite the positive end result in midweek, I think the style and process of this game, more than the result, disrupted Arsenal's rhythm going forward. From the game, we couldn't see the usual free flowing and smooth attacking Arsenal. I'm curious to see if this will have any effect on their Ashton Villa game on Sunday.
Nonetheless, this Arsenal is still a team with a strong offense, as evidenced by the impact of the backups. I see a lot of calls for Lee Ando Dusat to be selected for the starting lineup. However, it is a very important asset for the leaders to have a player who knows that they can change the game when they need to, but if they correct it, they won't get the same result. On the other side of the coin, sometimes as a player, you also get excited when you know you have the ability to change the direction of the game every time.
I suspect that Adidas didn't rotate a few selective players to rest in this battle like Gaudio did because Arsenal is facing a much higher level opponent in Villa, so I expect Arsenal to increase the fight. Also, they play later than Liverpool and Man City this weekend, which is not in their favor. As a player, you always want your game to be played first so you can get ahead in the title race. Conversely, if your opponents play first and get a strong result, it will only increase the pressure. Considering the opponents Liverpool and Manchester City face this weekend, I think they can put pressure on the Arsenal.
This week we have seen former players associated with Arsenal such as Halikani and Kenobi manage to trouble Arsenal and make their way to the Emirates. On Sunday, they will be visited by former leader Amery, and this time Arsenal will be hoping not to let the previous time get the upper hand.
There is no doubt that Emery is eager to win this match. He has to admit that he had a bad time at Arsenal, so this feeling will undoubtedly motivate him to get a positive result against his former club.
Villa also have to deal with the EU in the middle of the week. While the importance can't be compared to the EU, as I mentioned in my recent pre-match article, how to balance the fronts of both sides will be the biggest talking point for them, as they want to do their best to either compete for a top-four finish in the league or try to win honors in Europe.
In the absence of key experienced players such as John McGuinness and Madika, Villa have recently conceded points in games ahead of Binford and Westham, so it will also be key to welcome them back at the end of the season.
Despite Villa being a potent stumbling block for the Arsenal and creating problems for Arsenal, I still fancy Arsenal to come out on top at home.
