This might be a pivotal week in the Premier League title race. I say this because I can’t help but believe the following fixtures will have a significant impact on the title race:
Aston Villa vs. Man City, Wednesday, 6th
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal, Saturday, 9th
There’s no doubt about it: Aston Villa is on the rise. They are playing fantastic attacking football with no fear and are ready to compete with other Premier League teams. This competitive nature may see them pick points versus either Manchester City or Arsenal, so whoever drops points will be disadvantaged in the title race.
Villa are now more steady and aggressive in possession, as they play short passes to drag opponents out and immediately exploit the space behind them with four attackers, a trait that has seen them score the second most goals (33) in the league thus far (only Manchester City with 36 have scored more league goals).
They are a team that should be regarded as a threat, and this week they may be the beast slayer, with 29 points already picked up (after 14 games, coming from 9 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats) and a winning record at home (they have won all of their home games).
Douglas Luiz, who has been instrumental in Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery this season, has explained why Manchester City and Arsenal are due for a rude shock this week. The Brazilian observes that in their match against the Citizens and the Gunners, they will continue to do what they do at home, which is win, implying that they will zealously defend their unblemished home record as they want to remain at the top.
“It’s the most difficult game you can play in the league.” Luiz admitted as per Birmingham Mail. “We need to train hard and try to keep what we are doing at home. We can win.
“We are so confident at home, and we believe we can win. We need to keep this at home, where we are so strong. We need to train hard because the week is so difficult. But we can win.
“We are so excited for these two games. They are important for us. We are near the top of the table and need to focus this week and try to win both games.”
Luiz added, “I believe so much in the group. We have a good coach. We’re doing a good job at the moment. At home, we are so strong.
“Away, we need to improve a little bit, and then I believe we can stay at the top of the league. We need to play all the games. We know it is so difficult, and we need to keep going.”
It will be fantastic for Arsenal if Villa prevents City from winning four games in a row; a draw or a loss would be beneficial to the Gunners title ambitions. However, they must devise a strategy to contain Unai Emery in their game this weekend. As excellent as Arsenal has been this season, I believe they are more difficult to beat than City. If Chelsea (who are not at their best) and Tottenham (which is in an injury crisis) can all draw with them, what prevents Villa from beating them Wednesday night?
Sam P
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Lets hope city wear Villa out, before we play them.
Man City play with similar tactics as ours. If Man City’s tactic isn’t effective at Villa Park, Arsenal should try a different one to surprise Aston Villa
Gai, I have no fear. Arteta is an intelligent coach and he seem to have mastered how to play big opposition away. Besides, Aston villa concedes goals too. My prayer is that our main players should be injury free on match day.
Yeah, unfortunately Jesus and Tomiyasu are injury-prone
We might benefit from playing them after City. The game is bound to be hard-fought and playing at the same energy level 3 days later will be difficult to Aston villa.
I OBSERVE THAT LUIZ said ” we CAN win” and not “we will win”.
He also said ….” I believe we can STAY at the top of the league”!
Sadly for Luiz and for truth, Villa are NOT TOP, but merely fourth!
Using English correctly, it is not possible to STAY, in a position you do not occupy!
Not pessimism but im scared of our next 3 epl fixtures.
I believe that if Villa loses both matches then it will likely be very damaging to their season. The result of each match at Villa Park may very well be much less significant to each of MC or The Arsenal for the end of season standings.
It’s a big, big week for Villa, and with respect, the best I can see for them is two points.
This is huge week for Villa as their performances and results against MC and Arsenal will go a long way to clarifying how good they actually are.
They are in better shape than many other teams as their injury list has been relatively low compared with several other top teams.
Teams have also not always taken advantage of the weaknesses they have had in their usual set-up. It will be interesting to see how they do against two of the best teams. Although we just need to pick up the points when we play them!
This is going to be one game we will hate to remember if Aston Villa beats us. I hope all the lads will be up to it but I doubt Rayas’ ability to deal with the Villa attack. Our midfield is not protecting the defense enough I am so scared that Luton shipped 3 against us. How many will Villa put past Raya?
Arsenal midfield has not given the back four much protection because Declan Rice has been playing with weak partner (Havertz) unlike Thomas Partey with Xhaka. The two must be defensively and tactically active. But Rice has been doing the heavy duty work alone which can’t be enough in some games.
If Villa can get points off City and we beat them by weekend, I will be a side fan of them for the remainder of the season.