Mikel Arteta’s 12-Word Answer On How Arsenal Will Stop 27 Year Old Aston Villa Star
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issued a 12-word answer on how his side can stop Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Leaders Arsenal travel to third-placed Aston Villa on Saturday hoping to extend their run of seven-consecutive wins in all competitions.
But in-form Aston Villa have registered 14-straight wins at Villa Park dating back to last season and are fresh off a midweek 1-0 win over Treble winners Manchester City.
Key to Villa’s impressive start to the season has been the form of Watkins who has netted eight times for Unai Emery’s side.
The 27-year-old has already scored winning goals against Chelsea and Tottenham this season and Arteta is fully aware of the threat posed by the England international.
“He’s been tremendously consistent over the last few years and is a real threat,” Arteta told reporters ahead of the trip to the Midlands.
When asked how his side would go about thwarting the Aston Villa striker, a smiling Arteta said: “Don’t give him the ball in the box – that’s his main quality.”
The Arsenal boss goes up against compatriot and former Gunners boss Emery and admits that Villa’s inspired turnaround was something he foreseen.
“It’s no surprise,” Arteta added. “I have followed him since he was coach of Almeria and what he has done at every team is remarkable.
“He has always improved the players, the team and the club. He is Basque like I am. I really admire him. I am really happy for him.”
Arsenal head into Saturday’s clash two-points ahead of Liverpool as this season’s title race enters the heavily congested festive period.
The Gunners can focus their attention fully on domestic matters after tying up qualification for the Champions League round-of-16, with a game to spare.
But a tough run of fixtures awaits Arteta’s men with Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham in line before an FA Cup third-round clash against Liverpool in early January.
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