Match Preview: Arsenal v Aston Villa, Premier League 2013/14 Kick off
It’s back. . . the Premier League season that is and without our Arsenal start things off with a visit by the team that coincidentally opened the Emirates – Aston Villa.
The good thing about the start of actual, physical matches is that at least for 90 minutes we can all put aside the frustration surrounding the team and focus on what being a supporter is really about – the 11 men and substitutes who work their tails off for us. It is not a distraction, it is the purpose of our supporting this team and it’s our hope that at the end of the 90 minutes, even with all that still remains, we’ll have a smile on our faces knowing we’ve secured 3 points.
On the face of it 3 points shouldn’t be all that hard. For the most part the starting XI who take the pitch on Saturday are all the key cogs who saw us perform as the best team for the final third of the season (of course the other two thirds count but hey I’ll take what I can get.) Mikel Arteta is out with a thigh injury and that is worrisome simply because with Arteta in the squad Arsenal have a winning percentage of 64%. Without him? A measly 29% or something paltry like that.
But we are also buoyed by the fact that the heir apparent to the Mr. Arsenal moniker, Jack Wilshere is back and will feature in the starting lineup. Jack comes back after two seasons of fits related to injuries. He has had a good solid summer and from the looks of his action in pre-season and the way he glided around Scotland in the midweek, Jack certainly looks ready to hit the ground running.
Arsenal supporters are hoping that Jack and others can immediately get off the mark and find that thrust that saw them go 11 unbeaten to close out the season. We are also hopeful that the likes of Olivier Giroud who has clearly benefited from a full pre-season with Arsenal, maintains his deadly striking streak he had during the summer.
Additionally, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who looked in good form this summer need to take further steps to making their mark and place on this team.
The defense that was second to only Manchester City last season returns and from the looks of it, is healthy and solid. They will need to be as they do face an early test.
Aston Villa finished 15th last season. But they’ve now had a full season under Paul Lambert. While you could chalk up their struggles as they got to know their new manager and his season, this season it’s likely they will be a more improved team.
We’ll all be curious to see if Christian Benteke will maintain the form he showed last season when he netted 19 goals in the Premier League. Aston Villa did a stellar job of holding onto their man and fending off other suitors. It surely keeps them primed for a run up the table.
Benteke is going to be the threat that Arsenal’s defense has to worry about, but they will also have to be wary of his support in the likes of Agbonlahor and Weimann. Gabby Agbonlahor seemed to disappear in recent years but as the season under Lambert progressed it was interesting to see glimpses of the kid so many people were keen on. With Weimann and Gabby’s speed outside, Benteke, who is wonderful in the air will make it difficult for Koscielny and Mertesacker.
Arsenal and Villa played two very good matches last season, 0-0 draw at Villa park and a scrappy 2-1 Arsenal win at the Emirates. Arsenal can and should expect more of the same. The promise of the summer performances and confidence building exercises needs to be carried over into matches that matter now.
Wenger has tried to assure everyone (whether your believe him or not I leave up to you) that reinforcements will be coming before the end of the transfer window. For now though, like our friends over at Where Has Our Arsenal Gone (the Black Scarf Movement) we are calling on Arsenal supporters to do what we always do – get behind the lads on the pitch and will them on to 3 points.
How the match should play out:
With all the confident talk by Arsenal players and their desire to prove their worth, I really expect them to come out flying and get the crowd on their side as quickly as possible. Arsenal are going to want to test the Aston Villa defense quickly. Michael Cox on the dot.com rightly points to the fact that other than two relegated sides, Villa had allowed the most goals in the league. With a wealth of attack Arsenal won’t likely wait to try and test them. Villa will look to unleash Bentke on the counter with Weimann and Agbonlahor supporting. It will mean that Gibbs and Sagna have to be every mindful not to get to sucked forward. This one has goals written in it. The winner is the one who’s defense doesn’t get taken advantage of or make stupid mistakes too easily.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Theo Walcott. He was impressive this past season, showing growth and finally finding the back of the net with regularity. His ability to get behind defenses is going to be key to the Gunner’s success this season.
Aston Villa. Christian Benteke. 19 goals. Nuff said.
Projected Lineups:
Digital Arsenal Lineup:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Diaby (knee), Arteta ( thigh) Vermaelen (back) Monreal (back)
Aston Villa: N’Zogbia (calf), Sylla (ankle), Herd (calf)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 2
Aston Villa: 2
Goals For:
Arsenal (home):
Aston Villa (away):
Goals Against:
Arsenal (home):
Aston Villa (away) : 1.7
Match Official:
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
Assistants: Lennard, McDonough
Fourth Official: D’Urso
Broadcast Information:
US: NBC Sports Network: 10:00 AM
UK: BBC MOTD 1
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Aston Villa: 1
