After welcoming Manchester City to Villa Park, Unai Emery‘s men then face a tricky run of games. This includes the manager’s former club, Arsenal, who they face immediately after the Cityzens.
The Gunners currently sit pretty at the top of the Premier League and look firmly like one of the favourites for the title this season. A seriously tough test for the Villa.
But following their game against Luton Town, it appears one Arsenal man will not be able to assume his usual position against the Villans, due to a ban received in the fixture.
Mikel Arteta banned for Aston Villa clash
Mikel Arteta picked up his third yellow card of the season for over-celebrating and will now be in the stands at Villa Park.
This came after Declan Rice headed home in the dying embers of the fixture against Luton Town to put the Gunners up 4-3. The Spaniard could simply not hide his emotions – and who could blame him?
He told beIN SPORTS “I could not be seated in my seat. It was pure emotion. If that’s a yellow… that’s a yellow.”
This means for Arteta that he won’t be able to adopt his usual touchline position when he takes a trip up to Villa’s place, which definitely could be a good thing for the Villas.
Mikel Arteta ban good news for Aston Villa and Unai Emery
Arteta has a growing reputation for being one of the most vocal managers in the Premier League – with most of his orders coming from the touchline.
The fact he isn’t able to make direct contact with his players will pose a problem for Arsenal. Emery, like Arteta, also likes to do the same and will have the limelight pitchside to himself in the clash.
It should be an enthralling encounter, made slightly more difficult for the Gunners without the presence of their man at the helm.
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