Aston Villa helps Unai Emery with long elusive revenge on Arsenal

Aston Villa left Arsenal no chance but to chase its shadows as Unai Emery has the last laugh over Mikel Arteta.

North London side, Arsenal had the perfect opportunity to increase their points tally at the top of the table today if they had managed a win against Aston Villa at Villa Park. But like they say, memories are like ghosts, and for Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, his memory of being sacked by Arsenal for Mikel Arteta was a haunting experience that needed to be punished.

The former Arsenal boss returned to the premier league to face his former team and for a narrative that has gone long enough without being acknowledged, Aston Villa did the wonders by eliminating the two most talked about contenders for the 2023/24 premier league title all in one week at their home turf of Villa Park.

Manchester City were the previous victims, and this weekend, the Villans add Arsenal’s name to its list of opponents.

The Birmingham side battled with grit and resilience to contain a late onslaught by the Gunners to nick the equalize and move to equal points with current league leaders, Liverpool who today had to fight from 1 goal down to win 1-2 away at the Selhurst Park to Crystal Palace.

A rigid defensive performance together with an Emiliano Martinez master class in goal held back the Gunners from posing any threat towards the 1-0 score line gifted thanks to a John McGinn 7th minute strike that placed Villa up ahead.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Kai Havertz of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on December 09, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Arsenal reunion ended up sour for the North London side who despite registering 4 shots on goal, had their former goalkeeper keeping all 4 shots from crossing the goal line.

This leaves Arsenal sitting second in the premier league table after 2 weeks sitting on top of the league, with Aston Villa right behind the Gunners with 1 point separating the pair.

Aston Villa’s  defeat of Arsenal, ensures the top 3 teams are separated by nothing more than a single point each as the premier league readies itself for an exciting title charge like no other.