Arsenal got off to a winning start in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, but they face a tough few games, beginning with a trip to face Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost both games against Villa last season, with a 2-0 loss at the Emirates in April a fatal blow in the title race, and they will be keen on revenge.
Arsenal are in a good place to challenge for the title this season, and the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, as well as the expected signing of Mikel Merino, will further strengthen the team. However, a fast start is needed.
Arsenal’s first three away games come at Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and defeats in these would be hugely damaging for any title hopes this season.
Club icon Paul Merson has now claimed that the trip to Villa will start off a run of games which could even potentially end Arsenal’s title challenge before it even begins.
Paul Merson reveals Arsenal title worry ahead of Aston Villa trip
Merson has told SportsKeeda that he expects Arsenal to beat Villa, but warned that a defeat could spiral into a collapse in the title race given their upcoming fixtures.
“This is a massive game. Arsenal got done for the double by Aston Villa last season and that cost them the title. If Arsenal lose and Manchester City win this weekend, the Gunners could suffer in the title race,” he stated.
“Mikel Arteta’s men also face Tottenham Hotspur and City in September, so it’s not an easy run-in from here.
“If things don’t go their way, Arsenal could even be out of the title race by October! I’m not even exaggerating, the next four fixtures starting with Villa on Saturday are all tough for them. If you lose two of them, it’s over.”
“I’m going to go for an Arsenal win on this one, but I do think Villa can score,” he added, predicting a 2-1 win.
Arsenal must avoid defeat in first three away games
Arsenal took four points from nine in the equivalent fixtures last season, as they beat Spurs, drew at Man City and lost at Villa Park.
A repeat this season would not be a total disaster, but Arsenal will definitely hope to avoid a defeat which could disrupt their momentum or morale.
Both losses to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa were painful last season, and Arteta will want his side to prove a point against the former Arsenal manager as the two Spaniards face each other again.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
