David James reveals how other teams can catch Arsenal

Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa this afternoon raised fresh questions about how opponents might approach matches against Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners have been in impressive form for much of the season and have established themselves as one of the standout teams to watch. Their visit to Villa Park was widely viewed as a major test, yet many expected them to return to the Emirates with at least a point. Instead, Villa delivered a late blow in a 2-1 win, offering a reminder of how challenging the Premier League can be and potentially revealing a method that other teams may attempt to replicate.

Villa’s Approach and Its Impact

Villa have long been a difficult opponent for Arteta’s men, and their performance reflected both discipline and determination. The home side remained organised, resisted pressure at key moments and struck decisively when opportunities appeared. Unai Emery has now overseen another significant victory, and he will undoubtedly be satisfied with the way his players carried out their game plan. This was not simply a case of Villa defending deep or relying on isolated chances; it was a controlled and structured display that unsettled Arsenal at important stages of the match. For the Gunners, the result was a disappointment, particularly as they had hoped to strengthen their position at the top of the table by navigating a notoriously difficult venue.