Before their Premier League match on Friday, Mikel Arteta, the new manager of Arsenal, stated that Aston Villa has made amazing strides under former manager Unai Emery.

The COVID-19 epidemic prevented Emery’s 2021 visit to Villarreal as manager, so it was held behind closed doors.

This Sunday will mark the first time the manager has addressed Arsenal’s home supporters since leaving the team.

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“What they have done since Unai came in, he has made a huge impact at the club in terms of performance… they are still in European competition and played last night.

“Really impressed by what they have done,” Arteta told reporters.

After Emery came in October 2022, Villa finished seventh in the previous season, their first top-10 result since 2010–11.

With 60 points, they are now in fifth place, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

On Thursday, Villa defeated Lille 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarterfinal, marking Emery’s 1,000th managerial match as well.

“Unbelievable. And he’s done it in so many different countries and contexts,” Arteta said.

“He’s from very close to my hometown. I have huge admiration and respect for him. Wish him the best after Sunday.”

With Liverpool tied for the lead and defending champions Manchester City one point behind after Arsenal’s October loss at Villa, Arteta emphasised the importance of concentrating on each game and not allowing the title battle to take away from it.

“Every game is going to define what our future looks like,” he added.

“It’s the only possible to look at one game, and one day.

“Because it’s the only thing that maintains your focus and determining the task that you have to do on the day.”