Arsenal face tricky Villa test, Liverpool aim for top four

Aston Villa have proved a thorn in Arsenal's side in recent seasons, but manager Mikel Arteta regards Saturday's trip to the Midlands as an opportunity, not an obstacle as his side seek to stretch their lead in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal were beaten home and away by Villa in the 2023-24 campaign -- the 2-0 loss in north London in April putting a massive dent in their ultimately failed bid to dislodge Manchester City as champions.

City ended that season top by two points with the race going down to the final day, but this time Arsenal are in the ascendancy and if they beat Villa in Saturday's early kickoff, they would move eight points clear of Pep Guardiola's team and nine ahead of third-placed Villa.

Villa boss Unai Emery, whose sacking at Arsenal paved the way for Arteta's appointment, has put Villa into the top four and they have a league-high 25 points from their last 10 league games after Wednesday's 4-3 win at Brighton & Hove Albion.

"Well, for what they've been doing, the way they've been playing and winning these matches, certainly it's a team that is in great form and we know that," Arteta told reporters.

"We know, obviously, the manager and the incredible job that he's done there as well. So we know the task tomorrow but we always think it's an opportunity."

Villa also drew 2-2 at Arsenal in the middle of last season and there is a suggestion that Emery is even more motivated against the club that decided he was not for them.

"I don't know. I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level, everywhere there's been an impact that he's done, it's always been remarkable," Arteta said.

"That's a question for him. But in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he's good enough in himself."

Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 on Wednesday with a 2-0 home win against Brentford, although they suffered some injury concerns with defender Cristhian Mosquera hobbling off with an ankle injury and Declan Rice also failing to finish the game after coming off late on.

Arteta said Mosquera's injury was 'more complicated' and would know more on Friday while he was coy about Rice.

"Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players," Arteta said.

There was good news on defender William Saliba and forward Leandro Trossard, though. "It is a matter of days with those two, for sure," Arteta said.

The Spaniard has raised concerns about the fixture schedule with Arsenal facing Villa less than 72 hours after facing Brentford, although Villa are in the same boat.

"The only thing I can say is that whenever it's possible to help and give the players an extra day or hours to fulfil their maximum potential, let's do it," he said. "That's it. We are ready for tomorrow's game, that's for sure."

Liverpool's determination 

Meanwhile, Liverpool are not in an ideal position and are determined to break into the Premier League's top four, manager Arne Slot said on Friday, having secured only two wins in their last nine league matches.

Liverpool are ninth in the league with 22 points from 14 matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points.

"It's definitely our first aim to come back to the top four because we are obviously not happy with the position we are in at the moment," Slot told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Leeds United.

Liverpool's poor form has persisted despite spending 446 million pounds ($594.52 million) in the close-season transfer window.

However, Slot highlighted progress among new additions, stating growing consistency from Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak.

"There are positives to take in from the players brought in during the summer... Florian is maybe the most obvious one but I see the same with Milos Kerkez as well," the 47-year-old manager said.

"Alex scored his first goal a game ago. So there are positives to take but of course we are still not where we want to be."

The form of Mohamed Salah, who has five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, has garnered attention after he was benched for Liverpool's 2-0 win at West Ham United and was a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland. Slot said the 33-year-old winger remains central to his plans.

"He is always in my mind to either start or come in," Slot said.

"He deserves that (chatter) because of the player he has been for this club and for his teammates for six or seven years. It's completely normal."

Slot confirmed Conor Bradley has resumed training and could be available for selection. Joe Gomez, who sustained a knock against West Ham, is also training with the team. With Liverpool trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by two points, Slot set his sights on Saturday's "physical test" against 17th-placed Leeds United.

"We know what to expect but what to expect is what we've faced if not in all of the games, maybe with the exception of two," Slot added.