(Football news) Midweek saw both teams achieve thrilling one-goal victories: Unai Emery’s crop defeated Manchester City 1-0, and the Gunners pulled off one of their signature late comebacks in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Luton Town.
Due to a deflected goal in the second half, Arsenal defeated a Rodri-less City 1-0 two months ago. When the treble winners took the field on Wednesday night at Villa Park, former head coach Emery seemed to borrow a few ideas from the Gunners.
Emery had yet to defeat Pep Guardiola in 13 managerial encounters; however, the latter’s team dominated every aspect of the match, save from the possession counter, and the home team would not be left to lament a multitude of wasted opportunities, as Bailey’s strike took a big nick off of Ruben Dias and found its way into the net.
In addition to two swift opportunities for Erling Haaland, who was superbly stopped by Emiliano Martinez, a former Arsenal player, Man City looked timid in the West Midlands and rightfully returned home empty-handed, while Emery’s lively Villa celebrated their incredible 14th consecutive Premier League home victory.
With just a two-point deficit against Liverpool and a four-point gap against forthcoming opponents Arsenal, the Lions are threatening to upset the title apple cart and have jumped ahead of City into third place in the standings. A 15th straight victory this season would set a new club record.
Uncontrolled chaos broke out at Villa Park, making it simple to ignore the defensive significance of Emery’s team’s triumph on Wednesday against the mediocre champions, who snapped a 10-game losing streak. However, a more difficult test is undoubtedly in store on Saturday.
Not a single Premier League team has left Luton’s modest Kenilworth Road with the proud distinction of having dominated the Hatters, and on Tuesday, an impervious Arsenal felt the full force of a Rob Edwards team that had nothing to lose as they gave up three goals to their newly promoted opponents.
Also read: Manchester United defeat Chelsea 2-1 in Premier League
