Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal’s seven-game unbeaten league run end in disastrous fashion at Molineux on Tuesday but would do well to remember just how bleak things were looking for him six weeks ago when a dreadful run of form precipitated talk of his removal. The result that started it was delivered by Aston Villa, a chastening 3-0 loss at the Emirates in early November when all the attacking vibrancy Dean Smith’s side have exhibited this season was on display in the form of young, English talent such as Ollie Watkins, Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish. Arteta’s homegrown English teenagers Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have helped dig Arsenal out of that hole and they can climb above Villa with victory on Saturday, although will have to do so without the suspended pair of David Luiz and hitherto ever-present goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Villa were also beaten in midweek at home by West Ham and Smith will be keen their surprisingly good form in the first half of the season does not fall away. Paul Chronnell
Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1
Continue reading...