Arteta makes surprising comment about his predecessor Unai Emery ahead of Aston Villa clash

The Gunners will be facing a familiar face in the dugout, with former manager Unai Emery now in charge of Villa. Emery was sacked by Arsenal in 2019 and replaced by Mikel Arteta, who has now commented on his predecessor ahead of the match…

Arsenal travel to Aston Villa on Saturday for the early kick-off in the Premier League, looking to end their current winless run. The Gunners have not won any of their last four matches across all competitions and are now off the top of the table after defeat to Manchester City.

Facing them in the dugout will be former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who was sacked by the club in 2019 and replaced by current manager Mikel Arteta. Ahead of Saturday’s match, Arteta has commented on his predecessor, saying he has “huge respect” for what Emery has achieved at every club he’s managed.

Arteta said as per Arsenal Player: “He will always put up a very difficult test. He’s a very good manager and I have huge respect for what he’s done in every club and the success that he’d had.”

The Gunners will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Aston Villa, but they know they face a tough test against an experienced coach like Unai Emery. It remains to be seen if Arteta can outwit his predecessor and get Arsenal back on track with a much-needed victory.