Ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on what he believes is the 'secret' to Mikel Arteta's success at his former club, Arsenal. The two sides meet at Villa Park on Saturday with the Gunners sitting top of the table.
The 'Secret' Behind Arteta's Arsenal Revolution
Emery, who managed Arsenal from 2018 to 2019 before being succeeded by Arteta, offered a detailed analysis of his counterpart's work. He pinpointed the demanding standards and values set off the pitch, combined with astute recruitment, as the foundation for the club's rise.
'I think Mikel Arteta is doing a really great job,' Emery stated. 'He's incredible how he's progressing, being demanding, the values he set there. He has set standards more and more, and you can see it in their emotion, how they are being demanding in everything.'
Emery emphasised that this cultural shift, coupled with the players' response and the club's financial power to sign top talent, is the core recipe. 'I think this is the secret he can have there,' he added, acknowledging Arsenal's strength in every department from set-pieces to duels.
A Huge Test for High-Flying Villa
The match presents a significant challenge for an Aston Villa side that sits third, just six points behind the leaders. Emery labelled Arsenal as the clear favourites for the title this season and admitted his team are the underdogs for the fixture.
'The test we have tomorrow is a huge test because I think they are clearly the favourite this year,' said the Villa boss. 'I am so motivated, so excited. This is the biggest test we can have.'
He called for his players to show their improvement and commitment to the game plan for the full 90 minutes, aiming to impose themselves on the league leaders.
Emery's Take on the Unpredictable Title Race
With Villa firmly in the conversation, Emery also shared his perspective on the 2025-26 Premier League title race, stressing its unpredictable nature. He urged focus on a match-by-match basis, using Villa's own journey from a difficult position two months ago to the top three as a prime example.
'The future is unpredictable,' he reflected. 'Our race is each match. Two months ago, we were in the bottom. Now, we are in the top. Maybe in two months, we can again come back going down. This is the Premier League, the most difficult.'
Despite not feeling favourite for the upcoming clash, Emery concluded with a note of belief: 'I know we can win.' The stage is set for a pivotal encounter in this season's title narrative.
