Arsenal are in a race to secure Champions League qualification this season and have remained in and at the lead of the pack for much of the season. Mikel Arteta has seen the six summer signings make a huge improvement to his side’s output.
There were temptations in the summer and this current January window to sign more experienced and established players who would have cost serious money in wages and fees. The acquisition of Willian in 2020 was quickly shown to be an error and by the end of the campaign Arsenal and their fans were relieved to see his contract torn up.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look to be the Gunners' biggest rivals for fourth along with West Ham United. Even Chelsea’s poor form could see them dragged into the fold.
All the clubs made big signings in the summer but United, in particular, were drawn into signing Cristiano Ronaldo who has since been deemed to have taken away from the previous seasons’ successes of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood.
Spurs managed to keep Harry Kane but until only recently had the striker’s form begun to pick up after a disgruntled and perhaps unsettled start.
Arsenal signed six players, all 23 years or younger, despite links to a certain Philippe Coutinho. These reports persisted into the January window and there were even suggestions from Spain that Arsenal were considering a loan for the Brazilian.
Edu however decided not to pursue a move and Aston Villa landed the Barcelona wantaway.
Villa were considered at the start of the season to be a possible threat to the usual European hopefuls. They beat out Arsenal to the signing of Emi Buendia and despite the loss of Jack Grealish brought in plenty of talent.
The winter has seen Coutinho joined by impressive Everton full-back Lucas Digne. The pair made their debuts in Saturday evening’s clash with Manchester United. Despite going 2-0 down, both players were instrumental in the game's comeback, Coutinho scoring the equaliser himself.
Arsenal comfortably beat Villa earlier in the season at the Emirates 3-1. A game that showcased plenty of strong performances of Arteta’s success stories such as Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares. Even a shock goal from Thomas Partey brought another element to a great evening.
A stronger Villa could be a decisive benefit to Arsenal if they’re able to pick up three points again over the Birmingham-based club.
With Coutinho and Digne in tow, and Edu deciding not to interrupt Villa’s pursuit of the Brazilian in particular, Arsenal can hope to see further top-four rivals see points stolen away from them when they face off with Steven Gerrard’s side.
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