English Premier League
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The Barclays English Premier League (EPL), considered as the best in the world. |
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Aston Villa, their cup-tie obligations now temporarily sidelined, get back to the business of Premier League competition against the team that beat them 3-0 last time they played. Arsenal, their minds now blissfully free of cup competition encumbrances, will hope for a better result than they had at the weekend.
Aston Villa and Arsenal last met in December at the Emirates Stadium. It was a memorable match. Arsenal's Spanish International, Cesc Fabregas, came on as a sub in the 2nd half, took the game by the scruff of its neck, and scored two goals to lead the Gunners to a 3-0 victory. Arsenal moved into 2nd place in the table with that win and Fabregas reinforced his reputation as the creative force that powers the Arsenal midfield engine.
Although they still sit 2nd in the league table, the Arsenal squad that arrives at Villa Park on Wednesday is one that was humbled at the weekend by Stoke City in their 4th Round FA Cup match at Britannia Stadium. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had already made clear that the league title was his priority and his team selection for the cup tie against Stoke proved the point.
Following Manchester United’s shock 3rd Round exit from the FA Cup Arsene Wenger observed that it might be a good for United to be out so they could concentrate on the league. Hmmm. Wenger admitted his selection’s inexperience, but defended it nonetheless. ''We were exposed to a fight, and some of our players were a bit young and could not cope with it. I do not regret the side I put out, I did not have much choice. We had 10 injuries and a very difficult program coming up.”
Difficult? Following the Villa match the Gunner’s meet Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, then they have a Champion’s League tie away against Porto. Wenger has clearly become adept at the art of English understatement.
Arsenal FC vs Aston Villa FC