Premier League: Villa are the Real Deal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Third plays first in the next round of this spectacular Premier League title race and that is, in other words, Aston Villa versus Arsenal.

Yep, no mention of Manchester City, or United, or Newcastle or Chelsea, or even the early pace-setters Tottenham Hotspur; Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are serious players in this title race and they are now deservedly at the top table. Liverpool can be pleased with their campaign so far, sitting in second place, but the other big guns must be looking at Villa with some envy.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will never underestimate any opponent but this next challenge is as clear as day. The Gunners need to get a result against one of the most successful sides of 2023 but they are in red hot form themselves, two points clear at the top of the table.        

The players at Villa believe in what they are doing, the fans believe and so do the Premier League 2023 betting odds, so Arsenal better be ready.         

Talking Points

Villa can beat the very best…

To follow a match-up against the title favourites with a clash against the league leaders would sound quite daunting to most clubs … but not for Emery’s Villa. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester City was one of the standout Premier League 2023 results of the season so far. But was it really as surprise? Well, Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues have been off colour of late, drawing their previous three league games, while Villa have been playing some outstanding football; so I’d say ‘no’.

Even before Leon Bailey’s late defected strike beat Ederson Villa could have been well ahead after they tore into the defending champions from the get go, as the City keeper had to be in top form to keep to out early efforts from Bailey and Pau Torres. At the other end of the pitch Erling Braut Haaland forced Emi Martinez into two saves but that was the only threat from the visitors as Villa rained 13 shots down on the City goal in a frantic first half. When they eventually broke the deadlock it was no more than the hosts deserved and the win helped them to leapfrog their illustrious visitors into third place.       

At SBOTOP odds of 26.00 the Villains are the fourth favourites to win the Premier League and are fast becoming one of the most feared teams in the English top flight. Arsenal are second favourites at 3.75 by the way, with Manchester City still the odds on favourites.  

…and the Gunners hope to go one better   

Arsenal will look to strengthen in the January transfer window in an attempt to go one better than their second placed finish last term. And while they come into the game on the back of a 4-3 win away to strugglers Luton Town it was perfectly clear that they can’t take any team for granted. The Hatters are odds on to return to the Championship but they fought like tigers, leading 3-2 when Ross Barkley scored on 57 minutes. While the Gunners scored four goals they are in the market for an out an out striker; they had to rely on midfield anchor Declan Rice to guide home a 97^th minute header.

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli were all on target while Martin Odegaard was a constant threat. They have plenty of creative players and will hurt any team but the Arsenal defence was too easily breached by a modest Luton attack.

This clash with Aston Villa is a real test of the Gunners’ title credentials and a mouth watering prospect for the fans of both clubs.              

History

The Gunners have had the better of the head to head encounters with the Villains, winning 33 of their 56 clashes, including the last four. Last season Arsenal won this fixture in a six goal thriller, two injury time goals including a 98^th minute strike from Gabriel Martinelli giving them a 4-2 victory.    

While the hosts have won five and drawn one of their last six games, in all competitions, their visitors have won all six. But Villa have won all six of their home matches this season and have a great chance to make it a magnificent seven against the top dogs. 

Betting Tip

The hosts to win at odds of 3.06 must be a tempting offer for Villa fans who are used to seeing their team winning at home, while Arsenal at 2.01 and the draw at 3.23 are both right in play.

It’s a really hard one to call but it’s going to be a great game, and I’m edging towards the brilliant and dangerous Villains.

 

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