Arsenal host Aston Villa in the Premier League for Sunday’s late kick off hoping to leap ahead of Manchester City to regain top spot in the table.
The Gunners are full of confidence following a 3-0 victory over Brighton last weekend but know that they must not drop points with the title race on such a knife edge. The title is now in Arsenal’s hands after Liverpool suffered a shock home defeat to Crystal Palace, while City defeated Luton 5-1 on Saturday to move top.
Today’s encounter will not be an easy one for Mikel Arteta’s side, though. Aston Villa have been in fine form all season and defeated the Gunners 1-0 at Villa Park earlier this season.
Unai Emery’s team are battling with Spurs for fourth, and a potential Champions League spot, heading into the closing stages of the season. Tottenham’s defeat to Newcastle yesterday means Villa would move three points ahead should they triumph at the Emirates.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE
Arsenal host Aston Villa in the Premier League, live on Sky Sports
The Gunners will regain top spot after Liverpool slip up at Anfield
63 BAR! Tielemans hits bar and post as Villa improve after HT (ARS 0-0 AVL)
40’ SAVE! Stunning Martinez stop denies Trossard from close range (ARS 0-0 AVL)
39’ POST! Watkins hits insides of both posts after Gabriel mistake (ARS 0-0 AVL)
17’ CHANCE! Jesus heads wide at back post after Saka cross (ARS 0-0 AVL)
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Zaniolo, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus start for Arsenal; Douglas Luiz suspended
Arsenal FC 0 – 0 Aston Villa FC
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:57 , Jamie Braidwood
65 mins: Here come the Arsenal changes: Trossard is replaced by Martinelli and Ben White makes way for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
There was a concern as Odegaard stayed down after being landed on in the box following a corner, but the captain is back up and going.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
61 mins: OFF THE POST AGAIN!
Oh my goodness how close was this from Youri Tielemans! It’s almost wonderful from the Belgian, after Zinchenko gave the ball away on the corner of the box after a corner was cleared. Tielemans sent an effort bending towards the top corner, only for it to strike the underside of the bar and then off the post!
It’s the second time Villa have hit both posts with one shot!
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:50 , Jamie Braidwood
60 mins: Saka’s corner is cleared by Rogers at the front post and Rice’s volley blazes over the bar.
Here comes the Villa change: it’s Diaby for Bailey in a straight swap.
Bailey is dangerous.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:48 , Jamie Braidwood
58 mins: Emery is going to play his hand first, however, with Leon Bailey getting ready on the Villa bench. The visitors have a platform in this game.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:45 , Jamie Braidwood
55 mins: It’s been a frustrating day for Gabriel Jesus, who have struggled on his chance to lead the line. Arteta will be looking to his bench by now, and the Brazilian could be the first to make way. Jesus is caught offside as Rice tried to spring an attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:44 , Jamie Braidwood
53 mins: The chants are rising from the away end in the corner of the Emirates. Aston Villa have started the second half well, and belief is growing among their number that they could earn themselves a big result here.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:39 , Jamie Braidwood
49 mins: Arsenal do get a free kick as Tielemans is caught with a hand ball on the edge of the box. It’s in a decent position…
… nothing comes of it.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:38 , Jamie Braidwood
47 mins: Jesus hops over Carlos’s outstretched leg and appeals for a penalty, but that’s dismissed immediately.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:35 , Jamie Braidwood
45 mins: Back underway. Arsenal are now six and a half games from their first title in 20 years, but they need to beat Villa.
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:28 , Jamie Braidwood
A crazy 37 seconds of action as Watkins hit both posts and then Martinez pulled out this incredible save to deny Trossard.
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have had lots of the ball and plenty of chances, but Villa went the closest to taking the lead as Watkins hit the inside of both posts.
It’s nervy at the Emirates.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:17 , Jamie Braidwood
46+1 mins: It’s Digne… into the wall. Good work from Gabriel to take it in the face… Villa could learn a lesson or two after the goal City and Phil Foden scored against them a couple of weeks ago.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:16 , Jamie Braidwood
44 mins: A chance for Villa, just before half time, after Gabriel catches Rogers right on the edge…
There will be two added minutes after its taken.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:14 , Jamie Braidwood
41 mins: CLOSE! Saka cuts inside and is inches away from finding the bottom corner, with Martinez scrambling!
Then Jesus leads the break, but Trossard is caught by Carlos as Villa clear! Jesus’s pass was a bit behind Trossard, I think, .
Arteta turns and asks for more from the Arsenal fans.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:10 , Jamie Braidwood
39 mins: WHAT A SAVE!
A huge stop from Martinez! Then, right at the other end, Jesus picks out Trossard with a cut-back and Arsenal look certain to take the lead.
But Martinez sticks out a huge foot – and somehow keeps it out from point-blank range!
What a game!
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:10 , Jamie Braidwood
39 mins: OFF THE POST!
Wow – let off for Arsenal! It’s almost a huge mix-up at the back between Gabriel and Zinchenko, as Watkins is released! He strikes across goal but hits BOTH posts and the shot somehow stays out!
Watkins and Villa could not have come closer to taking the lead!
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:09 , Jamie Braidwood
38 mins: Another wave of Arsenal attacks – as Odegaard plays a central role. First Rice made a burst and shimmy in the box, but Carlos cut out his cross. Then Saka’s header went just over, after Havertz dug a cross out.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:08 , Jamie Braidwood
36 mins: Villa faced an early storm but are they through the worst of it before half time?
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:06 , Jamie Braidwood
35 mins: The Arsenal fans aren’t happy as Zinchenko boots the ball out of play with Zaniolo down. Ben White is booked for pulling down the Italian.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:05 , Jamie Braidwood
32 mins: Ooooh. Another half-chance from Villa on the break as Diaby made the run beyond Zinchenko and would have been in if the pass had been played a touch lighter, or earlier.
Villa still without a shot on target, but their threat is growing after surviving Arsenal’s quick start.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:03 , Jamie Braidwood
31 mins: How will Arsenal’s nerves be if Villa get into half-time at 0-0? Emery’s side survive a corner from the right and then some penalty appeals as Trossard goes down in the box under the challenge of Carlos. It’s quickly waved away.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
17:00 , Jamie Braidwood
29 mins: Great defending from Diego Carlos! Havertz is released after a third-man run from midfield. He gets back just in time to force the corner, after Villa’s high line was exposed.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:59 , Jamie Braidwood
27 mins: A good tempo to the game, this. Villa get a decent spell in Arsenal’s half after absorbing lots of pressure – but Konsa’s cross drifts out from the byline.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:56 , Jamie Braidwood
24 mins: Villa are hanging on here… Odegaard is leading a ferocious tempo of passing, and then the captain wins a corner as he makes a challenge in the box! It came after Jesus saw a shot blocked from close range.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:54 , Jamie Braidwood
21 mins: Just after that, Villa had a chance of their own on the counter-attack as Arsenal suddenly found themselves open at the back. Watkins was one-on-one with Gabriel, but Trossard did really well to get back and put the pressure on the England striker, as Arsenal were able to clear.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:51 , Jamie Braidwood
19 mins: Another chance! Arsenal are turning the screw. Odegaard creates this one – teeing up Saka, whose touch takes him wide. Saka then rattles a shot into Martinez’s near post, but the better option would have been going across goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:48 , Jamie Braidwood
17 mins: That’s a huge chance! Lovely work from Rice first of all as Arsenal spring forward and shift from left to right. Saka looks up and picks out Jesus at the back post- but the Brazilian heads wide! He was in lots of space after Havertz dragged Carlos away.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:46 , Jamie Braidwood
14 mins: A slight concern for Arsenal as Saka is still holding his hip a couple of minutes after colliding with Morgan Rogers – Saka is still up and playing on but while holding that hip area.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:43 , Jamie Braidwood
12 mins: Without Jorginho, Arsenal’s shape is quite differerent today on the ball – with Zinchenko alongside Rice and Havertz becoming the one who is making the runs forward beyond the front three. Jesus is playing down the middle.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:42 , Jamie Braidwood
11 mins: SAVE! A super move from Arsenal and almost a lovely opening goal. Trossard releases Havertz into the box and the German, making the run from midfield, sees his shot saved by Martinez – fairly comfortably in the end.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:38 , Jamie Braidwood
8 mins: Odegaard glides clear and Saka fizzes a ball across the box that is too high for Havertz at the back post. Lots of room for Arsenal to attack into it already.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:37 , Jamie Braidwood
6 min: Odegaard and Saka again down the Arsenal right – Villa clear at the front post, but that’s the avenue the Gunners are going after once again. Should be a busy afternoon for Digne.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:35 , Jamie Braidwood
3 mins: Saka and Odegaard combine in the box but the winger is forced wide by Digne and Aston Villa can clear. Arsenal are looking to make another quick start in the Premier League – although they fell behind to Bayern Munich in midweek, the Gunners have not trailed in the Premier League since December.
Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:32 , Jamie Braidwood
1 min: Ooof. Almost a quick start from Villa. From a long throw, Trossard takes a volley from McGinn right in the face, and then Watkins heads over from about 12 yards, catching the roof of the net.
Trossard gets back to his feet.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa
16:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Underway! Any more twists to come this weekend?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
16:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! A real sense of excitement now as Arsenal have the chance to go top and take advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up. You can really feel the nerves in the title race now, and Aston Villa will hope to spoil the party as Unai Emery returns to the Emirates.
Kick-off next!
Arsenal vs Aston Villa – pre-match thoughts from Arteta and Emery
16:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, about his changes today: “It’s always about the opponent, how we can hurt them, dominate the game, earn the right to win it and what’s the best way to start. There will be changes for sure and we have to be prepared for that.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: “We are ready. We have to be focused on the match and our game plan for 90 minutes. We have to be defensively strong, have control of the game when we can and try to attack them.
“It’s a big challenge but we are excited, very motivated. We have a big opportunity to get three points. Of course, it will be difficult.”
Can Aston Villa claim Premier League double over Arsenal?
16:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa have the chance today to complete just their third Premier League double over Arsenal. They did so in 2020-21, winning 3-0 at the Emirates, as well as in 1992-93.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season.
(Getty Images)
Can Saka continue goalscoring form?
16:02 , Jamie Braidwood
If Bukayo Saka scores today he would become the first English player to score more than 15 goals in a Premier League season since Ian Wright in 1996.
The forward has been involved in 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances,
(Getty Images)
Premier League title now in Arsenal’s hands
16:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Incredible. Crystal Palace have beaten Liverpool at Anfield.
The title is now in Arsenal’s hands with seven games to go – it was already, some may say, but the Reds now require favours from elsewhere.
Over to you, Arsenal.
(Getty Images)
Villa boost in race for fourth
15:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal and Aston Villa fans would have both celebrating yesterday as Tottenham suffered a 4-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The result, which mattered more to Villa, means Unai Emery’s side have the chance to go three points clear of Spurs in the race for fourth.
Manchester United’s draw at Bournemouth means there is now a 10-point gap between fifth and sixth.
Fifth place could be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League, of course
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak (centre) celebrates his second goal against Tottenham (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)
Crystal Palace still leading against Liverpool
15:41 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s SOMEHOW still 1-0 at Anfield… but to Crystal Palace.
You can follow the updates from the closing stages, here, in what are a huge 15 minutes in the title race.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Arsenal vs Aston Villa team news
15:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Some big changes from Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal host Aston Villa and look to return to the top of the Premier League.
Jorginho drops to the bench and it looks like Kai Havertz will return to midfield, with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both starting.
Aston Villa bring in Nicolo Zaniolo, as Moussa Diaby starts up front alongside Ollie Watkins. John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are the midfield duo, with Douglas Luiz suspended.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa confirmed line-ups!
15:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard,Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Zaniolo, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
Arsenal vs Aston Villa team news and line-ups
15:20 , Jamie Braidwood
We’re 10 minutes or so away from getting today’s line-ups from the Emirates.
How many changes will both managers make ahead of the second legs of their European ties in midweek? Arsenal go to Bayern Munich on Wednesday while Aston Villa go to Lille on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta on improved touchline behaviour
14:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta wasn’t on the touchline when Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa earlier this season – because the Gunners boss was serving a one-match suspension for his behaviour on the touchline.
Arteta received three yellow cards by the turn of December – triggering a one-game ban – but has only picked up one since in the Premier League.
“It was an experience. I deserved it. I had to go upstairs because I got the yellow cards. I experienced it. I didn’t like it so hopefully it doesn’t happen again,” he said.
“The rule came up and it was very aggressive. Every time we were talking it was like ‘oh you’re going to get a yellow card’. I think now it’s a bit smoother as well. There’s a bit more understanding in both ways of what we expect from each other, that’s it.”
(Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Why this unprecedented Premier League title race is needed more than ever
14:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta, on this occasion at least, wasn’t going to play any mind games. When asked after Arsenal’s win over Luton Town whether he would be watching the matches of Manchester City and Liverpool, he nodded happily. There was no sense of just concentrating on his own team. Arteta said he simply enjoyed watching good football, but his interest was obviously far more invested than that.
As the gatecrasher to English football’s main title rivalry, Arsenal have the most to learn. Their very presence at the top of the table, however, also gives both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola something to learn. Neither managerial great has ever been involved in a three-team title race, across 38 combined seasons.
Both have admitted to feeling a new excitement about it, as well as a different tension. There’s a crackle, that sense of event in almost every match. You can feel that gripping tension before each game, and it’s now in three dressing rooms. As evenings stretch out and nerves tighten, there’s nothing like it.
A three-way race between Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and a classic title run-in comes as the Premier League faces a crisis off the pitch, writes Miguel Delaney
Why this unprecedented Premier League title race is needed more than ever
Crystal Palace lead at Liverpool!
14:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow – a twist in the title race? Crystal Palace have made a brilliant start at Anfield and Eberechi Eze has fired the Eagels ahead in front of the Kop, as Liverpool once again concede the opening goal.
You can follow updates from Anfield, here
(REUTERS)
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures – Liverpool, Man City or Arsenal?
14:01 , Jamie Braidwood
We’re underway at Anfield! Can Liverpool return to the top of the Premier League table and put the pressure on Arsenal? Manchester City did what was required yesterday – and of the three teams in the title race, it is perhaps the Gunners who have the hardest run of fixtures…
You can check them all out, here
(Independent)
Mikel Arteta praises ‘unbelievable’ Unai Emery ahead of Arsenal return
13:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta praised Unai Emery as the former Gunners boss prepares to take his Champions League chasing Aston Villa side back to the Emirates.
“Unai’s had such a big impact at the club in terms of performances and consistency. It is unbelievable what he is doing in European competition and I’m impressed,” he said.
“He’s unbelievable and he’s done it in so many different countries and he’s been incredibly successful.
“He’s close to my home town and I have huge admiration for him and I wish him the best after Sunday. What he’s doing is really impressive.”
(Getty Images)
Unai Emery on ‘different’ Arsenal challenge
12:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Aston Villa won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season, as Unai Emery’s side defeated the Gunners and Manchester City in the space of four days at Villa Park.
Emery – though – believes his team’s visit to the Emirates will be a very different challenge.
“It is a different context, different circumstances and not really something other than respecting them,” he said.
“It’s different, the game we played at home in December to the match we are going to play on Sunday.
“There are a lot of the same players fighting but different because we are playing in a different context, they are fighting for the Premier League and we are fighting them trying to keep our fifth position and fighting with Tottenham.”
Arteta ‘super excited’ as Arsenal enter crucial run
12:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go again. How can Arsenal respond to the challenge of playing after Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend?
Mikel Arteta has urged his side to give even more as his side look to lift their first league title since 2004.
“We can be in the semi-finals of the Champions League and top of the Premier League so every game is going to define what our future looks like,” he said.
“They are super excited about what we are doing, the way the team is performing, winning matches, they want more.
“We know the task and challenge ahead of us and how good we have to be to win but we will try.”
(REUTERS)
Arsenal vs Aston Villa betting tips: Premier League odds, predictions and free bets
12:20 , Jamie Braidwood
With both of their Premier League title rivals playing ahead of them this weekend, Arsenal could drop from first place into third before kick-off against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event).
The Gunners moved to the Premier League summit following their 3-0 win over Brighton last week, edging ahead of Liverpool on goal difference following the Reds’ draw against Manchester United.
Manchester City are lurking just one point behind and will have first crack at piling the pressure on their rivals in their clash against Luton on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men played out a 2-2 draw in the week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich. Mistakes cost the Gunners as Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane fired Bayern ahead after Bukayo Saka’s opener before Leandro Trossard levelled the tie.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa betting tips: Premier League odds, predictions and free bets
Arsenal vs Aston Villa – early team news
12:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Predicted line ups
Arsenal XI: Raya: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Tielemans, Iroegbunam, Rogers; McGinn; Watkins
How can I watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa?
12:17 , Jamie Braidwood
When is it?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday 14 April 2024 at the Emirates.
How can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sport Main Event with coverage beginning at 4pm. Subscribers can stream via the SkyGo app and website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa – early team news
12:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta said his side had some fitness issues following the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, but was hopeful Jurrien Timber would be the only member of his squad who is unavailable.
Villa will be without the suspended Douglas Luiz, who picked up his 10th booking of the season and will miss the next two games. Clement Lenglet missed the game against Lille with a “small” injury and joined Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey on the absence list.
Good afternoon
12:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal will hope to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table when they host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners’ overtook Liverpool thanks to a 3-0 win over Brighton away from home but only have the buffer of a superior goal difference meaning they cannot afford to drop points. The Reds play Crystal Palace earlier in the day and could jump ahead of Mikel Arteta’s team who will be focused on their own gameplan against a tricky Aston Villa side.
Villa come into the match locked in a tight battle for fourth place with Tottenham. Spurs moved ahead of Unai Emery’s midlands side after they drew with Brentford but have a tougher run into the end of the season. If Villa can take points away from the Gunners this afternoon they will be well placed to challenge for the Champions League over the remaining fixtures.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match
Is Arsenal vs Aston Villa on TV? How to watch Premier League fixture
