Paul Merson believes Arsenal have a ‘huge’ advantage over Aston Villa ahead of their match on Saturday, when a win would make them the ‘No1 favourite’ to win the title.
The Gunners top the Premier League table through 15 games after their dramatic 4-3 win at Luton Town on Tuesday. Arsenal hold a two-point advantage atop the standings to Liverpool. But Mikel Arteta’s side might go to Villa Park sitting in second if the Reds beat Crystal Palace.
Liverpool visit the Eagles in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, while Arsenal visit Aston Villa that evening. A win in Birmingham is also by no means guaranteed for the Gunners after the Villans beat Manchester City. The win also moved Unai Emery’s club up to third in the table.
Arsenal beating Aston Villa will make them Paul Merson’s title favourites
Aston Villa have been imperious at home since Arsenal won 4-2 win at Villa Park in February. Goals by Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho threatened to thwart the Gunners’ hopes. But Emiliano Martinez’s stoppage-time own goal and Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the points.
Since then, Emery has taken Aston Villa on a joint club-record 14-game winning run at home in the Premier League. But Merson feels the way the Villans played against Manchester City and that the game was on Wednesday gives Arsenal an edge after playing Luton on Tuesday.
“This is a huge test for Arsenal,” the Arsenal legend told Sky Sports. “It’s a massive game for them. If they can go and get a win at Villa Park and end the unbelievable home record, you will have to put Arsenal as the No1 favourite for the Premier League [title].
“I worry for Villa in this game, it could just be a game too far. A lot of work went into that win over Manchester City. Arsenal also have an extra day’s rest and that makes a huge difference.”
Aston Villa will have to repeat their midweek magic to win on Saturday
Aston Villa will hope the relentless fashion they played to beat Manchester City 1-0 does not cost them against Arsenal. Emery’s team smothered and disposed of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners on Wednesday. Their efforts more than merited Leon Bailey’s shot deflecting home.
The Villa Park side had the Citizens on the ropes for most of the game. But John McGinn also showed the levels they dug down to at full-time when the Villans’ captain laid on the ground exhausted. Now, Merson expects Aston Villa’s fatigue will carry into their game with Arsenal.
Arsenal having one extra day to rest and recover could certainly play into Arteta’s advantage against Aston Villa. The Gunners will make the Villans dig deep again and work to get a club-record 15th consecutive Premier League win at home. They will also strive to pen Villa back.
Per FBref, no Premier League team has taken more touches in the attacking third of the field than Arsenal (3,399) this season. The Gunners also rank fifth for the total distance they have carried the ball (32,787 yards). Manchester City top the table with 39,602 yards in 15 games.
It clearly took everything that Aston Villa could muster to manipulate Manchester City – and they will need everything again against Arsenal. So, as Merson suggests, Saturday might be a match too much for Emery’s men. Arteta will no doubt hope that proves to be the case, too.
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