Arsenal Aim to Avenge Late Loss as They Host Aston Villa in Premier League Clash
Arsenal will host Aston Villa on Tuesday night with hopes of avenging their 2-1 defeat at Villa Park earlier this December. In that match, Emi Buendía scored a 95th-minute winner for Villa, sealing a last-gasp victory.
Manager Mikel Arteta regards Aston Villa as a significant title threat this season and sees them as serious challengers. Villa recently extended their winning streak to 11 consecutive victories in all competitions by beating Chelsea, equaling a club record. Currently, Villa sit third in the Premier League table, just three points behind Arsenal, who occupy a higher position.
Arsenal could see the return of Gabriel Magalhaes from injury, although Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori remain out. Declan Rice featured at right-back in Arsenal's recent win over Brighton. The club is considering defensive signings in January, depending on injury timelines and player availability.
Despite winning five of their last six matches across all competitions, Arsenal have struggled to decisively finish opponents, registering 65 shots over their last three home games but scoring only five goals, four of which were own goals by opponents. Arteta suggested that the previous loss to Villa might motivate the team further and indicated that they will review that game to learn and improve for future encounters.
