Arsenal famously failed to pick up a single point against Emery across the campaign, which ultimately derailed their attempts to win the Premier League.
However, it was a different story at Villa Park on Saturday evening.
Arteta’s side won 2-0, overcoming a difficult period of the game at the start of the second half.
Leandro Trossard was a real difference-maker off of the bench, a player who is unlikely to remain there against Brighton & Hove Albion next time out.
Gary Neville was amazed by Trossard after coming on – saying his movement “made him wince” at one point.
Unai Emery says Arsenal are ‘more mature’ than Aston Villa right now
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Emery made some interesting points about how Arsenal compare to Villa right now, especially considering last season’s results.
And whilst Emery still thought Villa could have won on Saturday, he admitted that Arsenal are the more experienced team.
Emery said: “You have to accept Arsenal, they are more experienced, more mature.
“They are strong, the last two years they have been very competitive in the Premier League, contender in top four and even to win the Premier League. Today was a test for us to understand who we are.
“We competed, we faced them, we could have won, drawn or lost. I think it’s going to give us a lot of information about the team, the squad and players and how we can close this week in the transfer window and finish this month playing Leicester and challenge to get [the] points.
Emery later continued: “We tried to reduce corners for them, free kicks for them and we did, we only conceded one corner and this is the way we can think we were controlling this match.
“We created three very good chances, like them, but our chances were more clear. We competed like we could do, I have to be proud of the players. We have to keep building. Not the result but the way we did [play] this is what we want.”
Arsenal complete Mikel Merino medical
Of course, next time Emery faces Arsenal he will likely come up against his compatriot Mikel Merino.
Merino has just completed his Arsenal medical, a superb signing for the Gunners who will only strengthen Arteta’s options.
Amadou Onana was impressive in moments for Villa against Arsenal, but it still appears the right call that the Gunners vetoed a move for their project.
Merino, a number eight, looks like a better fit right now, someone who could perhaps allow Declan Rice to return to the pivot.
Arteta is now blessed with choices, and Arsenal look well-equipped for another long and arduous title-challenge.
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