Arteta vs Emery – Who takes three points?

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Aston Villa host title contenders Arsenal this weekend with both teams looking to bounce back from a poor run of form. Mikel Arteta will face his Arsenal predecessor Unai Emery, the third meeting between both coaches.

The last time these managers met was two seasons ago in the UEFA Europa League, when Emery’s Villareal faced Arteta’s Gunners in the Semi-finals. Villareal and Emery progressed to the final after securing a draw at the Emirates and a 2-1 victory at home in the second leg.

Unai Emery managed to turn Villareal into consistent European contenders, winning the UEFA Europa League in 2021 and making a semi-final appearance in the UEFA Champions League last season. Despite the promise of Champions League football, the lure of the Premier League was too good to turn down.

Aston Villa have shown improvement under Emery, winning 16 points in nine Premier League games going at just under 1.80 points per game.

Arteta has finally gained the trust of the Arsenal supporters after a difficult introduction to his managerial career. He has steadily progressed Arsenal from an underwhelming and inconsistent side, into one of the best teams in Europe. Despite the fans calling for his sacking, Mikel Arteta has silenced his haters with many evolving into his biggest supporters.

There has not been a better time to play Arsenal this season, with the Gunners failing to win in their last three Premier League games. A draw to Brentford, and defeat to both Everton and Manchester City, has left the Gunners in second place on goal difference. Aston Villa will look to capitalise on this poor run of form as they continue to push higher up the table.

Will Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal make it their first win in four games? Or will Unai Emery’s Aston Villa take more points off the title challengers?

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Dylan Johnson