"Arteta" urges Arsenal to respond with anger ahead of the Villa clash, emphasizing the Premier League title showdown.
On 30 Dec 2025, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager and Premier League leader, spoke ahead of the 19th match of the 2025-26 season—the marquee year-end match welcoming the new year, as Arsenal hosts Aston Villa tonight at 03:15 GMT+7.
Before the match, Arsenal has 42 points, leading third-placed Aston Villa by just 3 points. If the Gunners win, their lead will increase to 6 points. However, if the Villains win away, both teams will be tied on points, and Manchester City (with 40 points), who face Sunderland on 1 Jan, could overtake to lead the table.
The two teams met recently on 6 Dec, when Aston Villa narrowly defeated Arsenal 2-1, scoring a winning goal from Emiliano Buendía in injury time at the 90+5 minute mark. This was a pivotal moment that propelled Villa into the Premier League title race.
Although Aston Villa have won 11 consecutive matches in all competitions, including 8 straight Premier League wins, former Arsenal manager Unai Emery still favors Arsenal as the Premier League title favorites, adding pressure on their rivals.
Mikel Arteta immediately responded by urging his Arsenal players to channel their anger from the previous defeat into motivation to avenge and beat Aston Villa tonight. "If you use motivation and anger correctly, it’s a given," he said.
"I have ideas and things we need to improve. It was harsh to lose like that, but we will learn from it. What we want is for every team that visits here to face a tough challenge. We have a very difficult match ahead."
"We know their quality and what they are doing, but preparing for this game and competing in it is genuinely exciting and enjoyable."
