Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash. The Gunners are aiming to create a gap at the top as they push for their first league title since the 2003/04 season.
Mikel Arteta’s side come into the match after a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Brighton. That result kept Arsenal top of the table and continued their strong home form, with eight wins from nine league matches at the Emirates this season. Arsenal will also be looking to finish the year with another victory, having won their final league match of the calendar year in five of the last six seasons.
However, Aston Villa arrive in north London in excellent form. Managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, Villa sit just three points behind the leaders after beating Chelsea last time out. That win extended their league winning run to eight matches, their best top-flight run since 1910. Villa have also shown great fighting spirit this season, earning a league-high 18 points from losing positions.
Recent meetings between the two sides favour Aston Villa, who have won three of the last five league encounters. Emery also remains unbeaten in his two away league visits to Arsenal since leaving the club.
Arsenal have been strong at home, often scoring in both halves, while Villa have enjoyed success against London clubs, winning their last five league matches against teams from the capital. With both sides in top form, this promises to be a closely fought and entertaining contest.
