Aston Villa have become something of a stumbling block for Arsenal in recent years, but Mikel Arteta views Saturday’s journey to the Midlands as a chance to take a major step forward in the Premier League title race rather than a hurdle to fear.

Villa completed a league double over Arsenal last season, with their 2–0 win at the Emirates in April dealing a critical blow to the Gunners’ ultimately unsuccessful push to dethrone Manchester City. City went on to finish two points ahead after the title fight went to the final day.

This time, however, Arsenal hold the advantage. Victory in Saturday’s early kickoff would give Arteta’s side an eight-point cushion over City and extend their lead to nine points over Villa, who currently sit third.

Unai Emery – dismissed by Arsenal before Arteta took charge – has transformed Villa into top-four contenders. They boast more points than any club over the past 10 league matches, collecting 25 in that span, including Wednesday’s thrilling 4–3 triumph over Brighton.

“For the way they’re playing, the results they’ve been getting, they’re clearly a team in tremendous form,” Arteta said. “We’re fully aware of that. We also know the manager, the incredible work he has done there. So yes, it will be a big challenge—but also a big opportunity.”

Villa also held Arsenal to a 2–2 draw at the Emirates last season, and many believe Emery feels a little extra fire when facing his former employers. Arteta, though, does not buy into that narrative.

“When you look at Unai’s career, his level of motivation is always high. Wherever he has been, the impact has been outstanding,” he said. “That’s a question for him, but in my view he never needs additional motivation—he has plenty within himself.”

Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 games by beating Brentford 2–0 on Wednesday, though the victory was tempered by fresh injury concerns. Defender Cristhian Mosquera limped off with an ankle issue, and Declan Rice was substituted late after feeling discomfort.

Arteta described Mosquera’s problem as “more complicated” and said the club would have a clearer picture by Friday. He remained non-committal on Rice’s status, adding: “Every hour will be important in determining who will be available.”

There was more positive news regarding William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with Arteta confident both are only “days away” from returning.

The Arsenal boss also revisited his frustration with the packed fixture schedule, noting that the team will have had less than 72 hours to recover before facing Villa — though their opponents face the same turnaround.

“If there’s ever a chance to give players an extra day or even a few more hours to be at their best, we should take it,” he said. “But we’re prepared for tomorrow, that’s certain.”