Aston Villa stand on the brink of club history as they prepare for a monumental Premier League test against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Record Chase Meets Ultimate Test
Unai Emery's vibrant side equalled a 111-year-old club record with their 11th consecutive victory across all competitions by beating Chelsea last Saturday. Now, they target an unprecedented 12th win in a row, a result that would also pull them level on points with the Gunners at the summit.
This remarkable streak has been built on formidable resilience, particularly on the road. Villa have come from behind to win each of their last six away league games, a run including triumphs at Tottenham, Leeds, Brighton, and West Ham. They face this challenge despite injuries to key defenders Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings, and suspensions for Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash.
The pressure, however, may sit heavier on the hosts. Arsenal have lost three of their last five Premier League meetings with Villa, who could secure a league double over them for the third time in six seasons. Villa are also unbeaten in their last two league visits to the Emirates, winning 2-0 in April 2024.
Selection Dilemmas and Defensive Praise
Emery must reshuffle his pack due to the suspensions. One intriguing decision is at left-back, where Ian Maatsen has started the last five league games, keeping experienced campaigner Lucas Digne on the bench.
The statistics highlight their contrasting styles. Maatsen offers greater dynamism, producing double the progressive carries per 90 minutes and significantly more successful take-ons than Digne. Defensively, the Dutchman also leads in tackles, challenges against dribblers, and clearances.
One defensive berth is unquestioned: the right centre-back position occupied by Ezri Konsa. Captain John McGinn was effusive in his praise for the England candidate, who recently became Villa's 10th-highest Premier League appearance maker with 214 games.
"Hopefully he stays here for a long time," McGinn told Sky Sports. "He has been going under the radar for years... I think if you asked any striker who plays against him they would say that he is quick, strong, good on the ball, and aggressive. He has got everything you need to be a top centre-back."
Emery vs Arteta: The Managerial Verdict
Ahead of the tactical duel, former Villa defender Stephen Warnock has weighed in on the comparison between the two Spanish bosses, firmly backing the man in the away dugout.
"When you look at Unai Emery and what he's achieved. He's a serial winner in the Europa League," Warnock told aceodds.com. "At the moment, for me, he's the superior manager because he's got a different budget than Mikel Arteta."
Warnock argued that Emery's tenure at Arsenal was a tougher assignment, following Arsene Wenger without the same control Arteta now enjoys. He concluded that while both are brilliant, Arteta must win the Premier League or Champions League to elevate his status to Emery's level, given the latter's proven trophy haul.
Tuesday's encounter promises high stakes. For Villa, it is a chance to etch their names into the club's record books and announce a serious title intent. For Arsenal, it is a pivotal moment to halt a familiar foe and assert their authority at the top.
