As Arsenal prepares to face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2025, former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has predicted that the Gunners will be held to a draw. Despite their 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on January 14, Shearer believes that this upcoming fixture will present a tougher test for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s win against Spurs was hard-earned, with the Gunners registering 14 shots, but only managing to score twice, with missed chances being a notable concern. In his comments to Metro, Shearer expressed his reservations about Arsenal’s current attacking form, saying, “Arsenal were much better against Spurs, that being said they still missed chances and I’m still not convinced that they’re in a good place up top and I won’t be until they get a top-class forward in there.” This observation highlights one of the recurring issues for Arsenal this season: despite a solid team performance, their offensive line still appears to lack the clinical edge needed to consistently finish off chances.
Shearer’s prediction, therefore, comes with the assumption that Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal could come back to haunt them in their next match against Villa. “This will be a tougher test for them,” Shearer added, forecasting a 1-1 draw for the fixture. While Arsenal is certainly a formidable force at home, Shearer’s prediction suggests that they may fail to capitalize on their opportunities, especially against a Villa side that has shown confidence with recent wins.
Arsenal’s recent victory against Spurs was crucial for their push for the title, as it reduced the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool to just four points. However, Liverpool holds a game in hand, meaning that Arsenal cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to continue applying pressure at the top of the table. With the title race as tight as it is, every point becomes increasingly vital as the season progresses. Arsenal’s upcoming games, particularly this match against Villa, will play a significant role in their pursuit of the Premier League crown.
Mikel Arteta’s side must maintain their momentum and avoid dropping points, especially against teams like Aston Villa, who have the capability to cause upsets. The Gunners are well aware of the importance of getting three points to keep pace with Liverpool, and Arteta’s tactical approach to this game will be crucial in ensuring that they emerge victorious.
On the other hand, Aston Villa comes into this match with growing confidence. The Villans have registered three consecutive wins across all competitions, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on January 14. Currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League, Villa is only three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United and will be looking to continue their good run of form with a positive result against Arsenal.
Aston Villa’s recent form has been solid, and they will be eager to take advantage of any potential weaknesses in Arsenal’s game, particularly in attack. Unai Emery’s side has proven to be competitive against top-tier teams this season, and their defensive resilience and tactical discipline could make it difficult for Arsenal to break them down. Villa’s confidence will be high, and they will surely be motivated to test Arsenal’s defensive line, especially considering the Gunners’ occasional vulnerability in such matches.
With Villa’s attack led by players like Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, the team will aim to exploit Arsenal’s defense, looking for a solid counter-attacking strategy to catch the Gunners off guard. Emery’s experience at the helm will be a key factor in preparing his players for this challenging away trip to north London.
In the lead-up to this game, one player who has caught the eye is Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old left-back who has been impressing in recent appearances for Arsenal. With Riccardo Calafiori still sidelined due to injury, Lewis-Skelly has stepped up and delivered solid performances for the Gunners, particularly in the absence of senior options.
When asked about Lewis-Skelly’s potential for an England call-up, Arteta responded cautiously, suggesting that the young defender should continue focusing on his current responsibilities with Arsenal before looking ahead to international recognition. Arteta said, “Let him settle where he is first and talk about the reality he’s got in front of him. Stick with that and I think that’s more than enough for now.”
Despite his youth, Lewis-Skelly has already made seven appearances in the Premier League and has also featured in three UEFA Champions League matches this season. His composure and maturity on the ball have made him a valuable asset for Arteta, and it’s likely that he will continue in the left-back position for the Villa match, especially with Calafiori still a doubt.
The young defender’s progress is a testament to Arteta’s ability to nurture emerging talent, and if Lewis-Skelly continues to impress, it could lead to more opportunities in the future for both club and country. As Arsenal prepares for their match against Villa, Lewis-Skelly will have a significant role to play, especially in defense, where he will need to contend with the pace and power of Villa’s attacking players
Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasized the need for his players to be more clinical in front of goal, and this will be a key point of focus heading into the match against Aston Villa. Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Tottenham was a result of dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, but they were unable to finish off several of those chances. Arteta will likely encourage his team to be more decisive in the final third and ensure that they take advantage of any opportunities that arise.
One possible tactical approach that Arteta could implement is a more fluid attacking setup, allowing his forwards to interchange positions and create more space in Villa’s defensive structure. The inclusion of a more dynamic striker, such as Gabriel Jesus once he returns to full fitness, would also add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack. In the meantime, Trossard, who has been in good form, may continue to lead the line alongside Ødegaard and Martinelli, with Saka also looking to make an impact once he recovers from his injury.
Defensively, Arteta will need his players to remain disciplined and ensure that Villa’s counter-attacks do not catch them off guard. Villa’s pacey wingers and direct attacking style could pose a significant threat to Arsenal’s backline, and Arteta will need to ensure that his defenders, including Lewis-Skelly, stay vigilant throughout the match.
The upcoming Arsenal vs Aston Villa match is poised to be an intriguing contest. While Arsenal enters the game with confidence following their North London derby victory, they face a Villa side in strong form, with a solid defensive unit and a potent attacking threat. Alan Shearer’s prediction of a draw suggests that Arsenal may struggle to convert their chances, while Villa will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes.
Arsenal’s key task will be to maintain their attacking intensity and be more clinical in front of goal. With crucial players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined, it will be up to the rest of the squad to step up and ensure that they get the three points. However, with Villa in high spirits, this promises to be a tough challenge for Mikel Arteta and his side.
As the Gunners continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, matches like these will test their depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. A win would see them continue their chase of Liverpool, but anything less could prove costly as the season progresses.
