Arsenal have to be really good against Aston Villa, says Mikel Arteta

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had said that his side are now English Premier League title contenders, but first he must find a way to get past a “difficult” Aston Villa in their home clash on Jan 18.

Both sides won their respective games in midweek – the Gunners clinched a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while Villa beat Everton 1-0.

Arteta will hope to keep the momentum going, but he said that they will not find it easy against Unai Emery’s team.

“They are a really good side, that’s why they beat us last season (2-0 at the Emirates Stadium). They have an excellent coach, really good organisation. Tomorrow we’re going to have to be really good again,” he said.

On the title race, he added: “The pressure comes from within. No one can put pressure on you. You have to try to be the best as you possibly can.”

Arsenal are now just four points behind leaders Liverpool (47) after their win over Spurs, although Arne Slot’s Reds still have a game in hand.

The Gunners, however, boast the best home record in the Premier League.

They have claimed 24 points from a possible 30 at the Emirates Stadium, where they are still unbeaten in the league this campaign.

Arteta will be without the injured Gabriel Jesus, who joins Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room. Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt.

“We have lost two massive players (Saka and Jesus) in attack. We are trying actively to find the best possible solution,” Arteta added of the club’s transfer plans.

As for Villa, Emery will miss the services of Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and John McGinn, while Diego Carlos could also miss out as he was suffering from a “small injury” before the win over Everton.

Seventh-placed Villa have started 2025 well, with 2-1 wins over Leicester City in the Premier League and West Ham United in the FA Cup, before their away victory over the Toffees.

They are just three points adrift of the Champions League spots, and will be boosted as beating Everton also meant that they ended a run of five straight away losses in the league.

The Emirates is a big mountain to climb, however, especially considering Arsenal’s proud home record.

Arteta also refused to speak about other club’s players when he was asked about Erling Haaland signing a new deal at Manchester City, where the Arsenal boss was formerly an assistant to Pep Guardiola.

“That’s their news, good news to them,” he said.

Haaland has signed a 10-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2034, as the Norwegian striker seeks the opportunity to build a legacy with the English champions.

His contract was set to expire in June 2027 but the 24-year-old, winner of the league’s Golden Boot for most goals scored in the last two seasons, has committed to the club until the age of 34.

“I am super proud and happy, and I am looking forward to staying here for a long time,” he said in a statement, describing it as an “easy decision”.

“Now I can fully focus on getting better because I am going to stay here for such a long time.”

City next travel to Ipswich Town on Jan 19. REUTERS