Arsenal’s quest for a second consecutive Premier League title continues on Monday night when they take to the road for their first away match, facing Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The beginning of the season was about as note-perfect as they come for the Gunners. They brushed Coventry aside at the Emirates and looked like they had not skipped a beat since the prior season ended in May. Off the pitch, it’s been a tad more hectic, with a slew of players set to depart the club and another attacking signing
needed as Mikel Arteta retools for the new season.
Still, the one thing that matters is what happens on the pitch, and Arsenal look the part so far. As it turns out, good things happen when you only have to make minor tweaks instead of entire roster and coaching overhauls.
Arsenal kicked off the season looking exactly like a side that had gotten the title monkey off their backs. They were confident, assured, and in control. But last year’s accolades don’t win today’s games, so the song remains the same. Arsenal will enter every match as the team to beat, and every club will give it their best shot against the reigning champions. It’s the price you pay at the top of the game, and one that every Arsenal fan can easily accept.
Monday will be a big test for both sides, with the Gunners and Villa entering in disparate form. Arsenal will look to continue establishing their consistency, while Villa will hope to make amends for an opening day disaster as they play at home for the first time this season.
Can the Gunners stay the course and maintain their mentality as the season continues to take shape?
Know the Enemy
Aston Villa enter the second match day of the season behind the eight ball following a dismal display performance at Brighton that saw the Seagulls batter them to the tune of 0-4.
Las Saturday’s capitulation stands in sharp contrast to Villa’s successes last season. In his 4th season in charge, Unai Emery enjoyed his best campaign in Birmingham when he guided Aston Villa to a 4th place finish in the Premier League before ending the season as Europa League champions. Everything was shaping up for Villa to cement a place among the league’s top sides.
And now, just three months after a stellar campaign, they find themselves facing an uphill climb thanks to a roster shakeup, injuries, and financial issues.
Villa have been treading a fine line of financial health as they have been dangerously close of running afoul of the league’s PSR/FFP restrictions for several seasons. Despite winning a European title, they found themselves needing to offload players in order to keep themselves safe from potential punishment. Unfortunately for them, that meant the likes of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Emi Martinez, and Ezri Konsa were all sold, with Rogers fetching a British record fee of £116m.
On top of the departures, veteran striker Ollie Watkins’ role with the squad has become nebulous. After being left out of the side for the opener, Emery was cagey when asked about Watkins’ future. His future became even murkier over the week as Villa’s slightly suspicious relationship with Chelsea continued, adding yet another want-away from the blue side of London with the signing of Nicolas Jackson to fortify the front line.
Despite a huge roster shakeup and a poor performance to start the season, Villa park remains a source of perpetual frustration for the Gunners. Arsenal have only won once in their past three visits to face the Villans and have only won twice in the past five meetings between the clubs. Last season’s defeat at the death at Villa Park was a huge gut punch, though Arsenal got their revenge just a few matches later when they played Villa off the pitch at the Emirates. Emery has proven a tough opponent for Arteta and will surely relish the chance to claim another victory over his former employers.
It’s anybody’s guess as to how Villa will line up. Between a huge number of departures and arrivals, they also face the absences of up to 6 players through injury and suspension.
Current Record: 0-0-1
Additions: Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Zion Suzuki (Parma), Joao Gomes (Wolves), Matteo Rugerri (Atletico Madrid), Modou Kéba Cissé (LASK), Alejandro Garnacho (on loan from Chelsea), Aaron Wan Bissaka (on loan from West Ham), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
Departures: Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United), Donyell Malen (Roma), Lucas Digne (PSG), Lewis Dobbin (Southampton), Enzo Barrenechea (Benfica), Emi Martinez (Chelsea)
Out: Amadou Onana (ACL), Brian Madjo (ankle), Johan Manzambi (knee), Leon Bailey (undisclosed), Joao Gomes (red card suspension)
Doubt: Tammy Abraham (knock)
Arsenal vs Aston Villa all time record: 89-46-72
Last five meetings vs Aston Villa: L-W-D-L-W
Injuries, Suspensions, and Predicted Lineup for the Gunners can be found here.
WHO: Arsenal at Aston Villa
WHAT: Premier League match day 2
WHEN: Monday, August 31st, 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: Villa Park, Birmingham
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast live on The USA Network
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