Arsenal could now do one thing to Unai Emery that’s never happened before

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Arsenal will look to build upon their victory in the North London Derby as they face an Aston Villa side managed by Unai Emery.

Mikel Arteta has a poor record when facing Unai Emery but will be hoping to continue momentum from the North London Derby victory as they face yet another tough examination.

With results going in their favour, Arsenal could move to within just one point of leaders Liverpool with victory at the Emirates Stadium however, Villa have proven to be stubborn resistance in the past.

Some fans and pundits believe that Unai Emery was treated ‘unfairly’ at Arsenal and the Spanish manager has gone on to achieve great success at Aston Villa. The Gunners however, will be hoping to break a curse their former manager currently has over them.

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Unai Emery is unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium since leaving Arsenal

Unai Emery was sacked in 2019 as Arsenal manager. David Ornstein claimed the club had reservations about Emery’s methods as a manager, including concerns about how he was communicating with the players.

Since then, both Arsenal and Emery have enjoyed success. The Gunners have thrived under Mikel Arteta to become serious title challengers and Emery has taken Aston Villa into the Champions League.

Ahead of the upcoming clash between the two managers, there is one record that Arsenal will need to break- Emery is unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium since leaving the club.

The 53-year-old Spaniard first guided Villareal to a 0-0 draw in the UEFA Europa League semi final in May 2021, a result that meant the Gunners crashed out 2-1 on aggregate.

Then, an even more devastating blow was struck in April 2024, when boyhood Arsenal fan Ollie Watkins inspired Villa to a 2-0 victory that ultimately was a huge factor in Arteta’s men missing out on the title by just two points.

Arsenal were fortunate to claim three points at Villa Park earlier this season

Arsenal did manage to get one over on their former manager earlier this season at Villa Park by running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.

However, the game was far from straight forward with Aston Villa producing more shots on goal in the game and having a higher expected goals of 1.35 compared to Arsenal’s 1.13.

The game is remembered for a David Raya ‘moment of magic’ as he clawed the ball out from a Watkins header to keep the game at 0-0 in the second half.

Villa have a stubborn defence and great dynamism in midfield. With Watkins and Morgan Rogers in forward areas, the Gunners will also need to be wary of their threat on the counter attack too.

However, if Arteta’s men can play with the same energy and commitment as they did against Spurs, they will put themselves in a great position of finally inflicting an Emirates defeat on Unai Emery.