Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery will return to his old home on Tuesday night as Aston Villa visit the Emirates.
There will be no time for warm welcomes in N5, as the Emirates hosts a top-of-the-table showdown between Arsenal and the most in-form side in the Premier League right now.
Villa have won 11 games in a row in all competitions, returning to the capital to face the Gunners just three days after beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Though Emery’s side arrive full of confidence, there’s a belief that Arsenal can beat Villa, with far more than just three points on the line.
How does Mikel Arteta beat Unai Emery? What advice would you give the Arsenal manager ahead of tonight’s game?
Unai Emery says Arsenal are getting stronger
On a matchweek that sees first and third go head to head just before Manchester City face a tough trip to Sunderland, the need to win is greater than ever.
Fortunately, ahead of the match, Mikel Arteta received a double injury boost, as it’s understood that both Ben White and Kai Havertz could be in contention to make the matchday squad.
It’s a boost for Arteta, and a warning for Emery, who spoke about the impact of Havertz’s return during his pre-match press conference.
“I think they are favourites [to win the league]. How they are building the team, how they are improving a lot of things, more players in their squad,” Emery said.
“Some players, they are coming back after being injured, like Havertz and Jesus, and of course, look and can see them now, stronger.”
Gabriel Jesus has impressed on his return to action after spending almost a year out due to an ACL injury, and will be eager to make his first Premier League start since January 2024.
On top of the Brazilian’s comeback, Havertz’s return only bolsters Arsenal’s striker options further, validating Emery’s statement.
Arsenal’s injury returns are happening at the perfect time
While it’s unlikely that Havertz will play a significant role in Arsenal’s meeting with Villa, his return has come at the perfect time.
Not only do the Gunners desperately need help converting chances, but they have a tough run of fixtures coming up over the next month.
Change my mind, Kai Havertz’s return can win Arsenal the league.
Arsenal know how strong Havertz can be in the run-in to the end of the season, giving the German a chance to get up to speed again before crunch time.
Viktor Gyokeres desperately needs competition, Arsenal need goals, and most importantly, Arteta needs wins, making it the ideal time for a squad boost.
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