Arsenal may be top of the Premier League, but the most in-form side across the last 10 games is tomorrow’s opponent, Aston Villa.
After a slow start to the season, Unai Emery’s side have found their groove, climbing to third thanks to Wednesday’s 4-3 comeback at Brighton – their fourth win in a row.
The Gunners did take all three points on their last visit to Villa Park, a measure of payback for those damaging 23/24 defeats, but Villa have only lost once in 25 league games at home since. The lunchtime kick-off is set to be a significant test, not least with injuries mounting in defence.
Already without Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, Mikel Arteta watched Cristhian Mosquera limp off in the win over Brentford, forcing Jurrien Timber to slot into central defence alongside Piero Hincapie.
Speaking on Friday, the manager confirmed Mosquera had injured his ankle and faces a late fitness test.
“That’s the more complicated one. We have another test today to see where we are with him.
“The feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with all the testing that we do today.”
Despite receiving treatment on Wednesday and being substituted, it is expected Declan Rice will travel to the Midlands. Even so, the game may come too soon for Leandro Trossard and William Saliba.
“It is a matter of days with those two, for sure. After the training session, we’ll know more.
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones.”
With previous seasons derailed by injuries, Arsenal entered the summer market determined to assemble a more robust squad with quality cover in every position. That depth has been fundamental to this season’s consistency.
“We’ve built a squad that I believe was the best one to give us the possibility to do it,” reflected Arteta.
“Is it what I want it to be? No. Because of the injuries that we have. To have a squad means that the players have to be fit and available because that has a lot of consequences, not only during matches but also in the way that we prepare for the week and the options that we have to change and keep the presence in the team. But certainly very happy with how we deal with certain situations.”
After four games in 11 days, a 63-hour break before taking on Villa offers little chance to rest tired legs. Having highlighted the strain on players after the Brentford match, Arteta returned to the theme.
“The only thing I can say is that whenever it’s possible to help and give the players an extra day or hours to fulfil the maximum potential, let’s do it. That’s it. We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
He added: “Every time you win a game, obviously you are a little bit closer to your objective, and it’s the only thing that we can do.
We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow. We know the kind of game that we’re going to play and be ready for it to fulfil our potential.”
As for the test posed by Villa, Arteta said: “For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that.
We know the manager and the incredible job that he’s done there as well. We know the task tomorrow but we always think it’s an opportunity.”
It is six years since Emery was sacked as Arsenal boss and he has made a habit of making life difficult for his former club ever since – both at Villarreal and Villa. Asked if his compatriot summons extra motivation because of how things ended at the Emirates, Arteta replied:
“I don’t know. I think when you look at Unai, his career and his motivation level, everywhere there’s been an impact that he’s done, it’s always been remarkable. I don’t know, that’s a question for him but in my opinion he never needs anything extra. I think he’s got enough on himself.”