Mikel Arteta wants to turn Arsenal’s last-gasp loss at Aston Villa into motivation for Tuesday’s rematch, with Villa on an 11-match winning streak and three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to turn his team’s “cruel” loss at Aston Villa into motivation for their upcoming rematch at the Emirates Stadium.

Villa, led by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, are on an 11-match winning streak and three points behind Arsenal in the table.

Arteta believes re-watching the game could inspire his players, saying: “If you use that motivation and that hunger in the right manner, for sure.” He added that the loss was “quite cruel, as well, the way we lost it.”

Villa’s double over Arsenal last season derailed Arteta’s title ambitions, and the London club has finished second in the last three seasons. Arteta acknowledges Villa as genuine title contenders, praising Emery’s work.

Arsenal are missing key players due to injury, including Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ben White. Arteta hints at possible January window recruitment, saying they’re “actively looking.”

The team has benefited from four own goals this month, with Arteta attributing it to pressure on opponents. “That’s what we want, that every opponent that comes here suffers,” he said.

Arteta expects a tough match against Villa, saying: “We know them, what they are doing, and a beautiful game as well to prepare and play.”