Arteta relishing “beautiful game” as Arsenal host Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s final match of 2025 against Aston Villa has all the ingredients of a “beautiful game”, as the Premier League title race intensifies at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal head coach will welcome a resurgent Aston Villa side who arrive in north London on the back of a remarkable run of form. Villa’s latest victory extended their winning streak to a club-record 11 matches in all competitions, eight of which have come in the league, leaving them just three points behind Arsenal at the summit.

Only 24 days have passed since Arsenal were stunned at Villa Park, where a stoppage-time goal from Emi Buendía sealed a 2-1 defeat and underlined the momentum built by Unai Emery’s side.

Speaking ahead of the rematch, Mikel Arteta was full of respect for Villa’s rise and the challenge that awaits.

“We have a really tough match. We know their level, what they are doing, but it's a beautiful game as well to prepare and play,” Arteta said. “They merit to be there. Look at what they are doing and how consistent they've been, and what Unai has done with the club. I think they fully deserve that credit because they are doing it on the pitch where you have to show your level.”

The Arsenal boss admitted the late defeat at Villa Park still stings, but insists lessons have been taken from it.

“We'll watch it back. I have a few ideas and things that we have to do better,” he added. “It was quite cruel as well, the way we lost it, but we'll learn from it.”

Arteta also suggested that the pain of that last-gasp loss could serve as motivation, provided it is channelled correctly.

“If you use that motivation and that anger in the right manner, for sure,” he said when asked whether the previous defeat could fire his players up for the rematch.

With the footballing world watching closely, the fixture offers Arsenal a chance to exact revenge and ensure they end the calendar year top of the table.

Beyond the immediate challenge of Aston Villa, the match also coincides with the opening of the January transfer window. Arteta confirmed Arsenal are actively monitoring the market, particularly with injuries having tested squad depth at various points this season.

“We're going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players [returning from injury],” he explained. “When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 players, so there's nothing special in our squad. The thing is, we’ve had more injuries than expected.”

Arteta stressed the importance of preparation rather than guarantees, acknowledging that circumstances can change quickly.

“The window is there. We're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it and saying ‘OK, what do we need?’ We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not? That's a different story.”

On potential departures, the Arsenal manager said responsibility largely lies with sporting director Andrea Berta, with each situation assessed individually.

Arsenal host Aston Villa as their final fixture of 2025, with the outcome likely to shape the narrative heading into the New Year. With January’s transfer window now open and the title race tightening, this clash could prove pivotal both on and off the pitch.

Is this Arsenal’s moment to make a title statement against Aston Villa, or will Unai Emery’s side keep their remarkable run alive?