ARSENAL have been predicted to suffer another setback in the title race against Aston Villa.
The Gunners are desperate to bounce back from their midweek defeat against Man City, which made it four games without a win.
Wednesday’s blockbuster loss to City saw Pep Guardiola’s side leapfrog the Gunners to the top of the Premier League on goal difference, though Arsenal do have a game in hand.
Arsenal can reclaim top spot when they face 11th-placed Villa, and former boss Unai Emery, at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
But former City defender Joleon Lescott believes that Mikel Arteta’s side will have to wait to return to winning ways.
He wrote on Livescore: “I fully believe Manchester City’s midweek win at Arsenal will be looked back on as the pivotal moment in this season’s title race.
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“Arsenal go to Aston Villa in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and that contest is going to be a huge test of the Gunners’ character.
“I’m sure there’ll be a nervous energy in the away dressing room, while playing early also adds pressure — you know everybody is watching on hoping that you slip-up.
“This is a tricky game for them to try and bounce back in.
“Of course, they could go and win here given Aston Villa’s inconsistency but I reckon Villa will be motivated to derail Arsenal’s title tilt and show what they can do.
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“No outcome would surprise me but I’ll go for a draw.”
City travel to Nottingham Forest later the same day and Lescott can see nothing but an away win – and a charge to another title.
He added: “It may sound cliche, but it’s true. So many of the players in that dressing room have been there and done it before and I think it showed at full-time on Wednesday.
“When you’re used to winning titles, you keep your emotions in check.
“You are angry when you lose, but you don’t get flustered. On the other hand, you enjoy victories without getting carried away.
“The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva have seen this all before and know how quickly a season can turn around.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
