Premier League champions City travel to Villa Park on Wednesday, before their title rivals last season and current leaders Arsenal head to the second city on Saturday. Villa have made a 100 per cent start to the new league campaign at home and won their 13th straight match at Villa Park against Fulham before the November international break.
Unai Emery’s side sit in the top four ahead of their clash with Man City having picked up three wins on the road this term to supplement their imperious home form. They came back from behind at Tottenham to win in north London last month, but failed to make it back-to-back away wins against Bournemouth on Sunday as Ollie Watkins snatched a point late on in the 2-2 draw.
“The truth is it is a good point for us,” Luiz said after full-time at the Vitality Stadium. “If in the last minute you can score, then we are happy for one point away. We knew it would be difficult to come and take the points. But we’re happy.”
Watkins was a doubt to feature against Bournemouth, but he overcame a small injury to lead the line. He stepped up in the 90th minute to direct Moussa Diaby’s cross past Neto with a sublime header.
“He is so important for us,” Luiz said of the striker. “He's a good guy and he deserves this. We’re very happy for him. He deserved his moment. He saved us on Sunday.“He’s more confident. I think now, at the moment, he is the best player in the squad. He scores goals, makes assists. Everyone is so happy for him.”
Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath
Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath
Villa paid just £15m to sign Luiz from Manchester City back in the summer of 2019 following the club’s promotion back to the top-flight. He has since developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is looking forward to competing with last season’s champions at Villa Park on Wednesday.
“It’s the most difficult game you can play in the league.” Luiz admitted. “We need to train hard and try to keep what we are doing at home. We can win.
“We are so confident at home and we believe we can win. We need to keep this at home, where we are so strong. We need to train hard because the week is so difficult. But we can win.
“We are so excited for these two games. They are important for us. We are near the top of the table and need to focus this week and try to win both games.”
Luiz added: “I believe so much in the group. We have a good coach. We’re doing a good job at the moment. At home we are so strong.
“Away we need to improve a little bit and then I believe we can stay at the top of the league. We need to play all the games. We know it is so difficult and we need to keep going.”
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