Arsenal endured a host of misfortunes when they played Aston Villa at the start of December. From missing their star defenders to having to field a half-fit Leandro Trossard, and having to take off Bukayo Saka due to the risk of a second yellow card, it was a difficult afternoon for Mikel Arteta and his boys.

The outcome was no way kind, too, as they conceded a late winner in a chaotic scene, and when Emiliano Buendia fired home the loose ball, Arsenal players were all over the place with disgust, knowing they could no longer respond, with the final whistle set to be blown right after the restart.

That particular sight has drawn a lot of criticism for the players about their mentality to become champions, and at the Emirates, against the same team, awaits a potential chance to finally correct the misconception, if it is ever one.

The emotional narrative behind this fixture too; Unai Emery, his streak at the Emirates, Arsenal's home run, makes it a must-win for Arsenal if they are to make a statement of intent in the fierce title race.

The result of that afternoon in the Villa Park, left them two points ahead of second-place Manchester City, who they had toppled by seven points a few weeks prior, while the Villains also moved three points within of the leaders, making it a three-horse race for the Premier League title as we approach the middle of the season.

Since that loss, Mikel Arteta's side are yet to fully recover, but have somehow found a way to ensure the results stay positive and continue to protect their two-point lead at the summit, while chasers also stay in the hunt.

Their upcoming clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates, two days before Manchester City play away at Sunderland, who have not lost a home game this season, could be defining in several ways, some of which are highlighted below.

Why Aston Villa clash could be Arsenal's most important fixture 

1. The next is always the most important 

For a team with so much ambition, the season couldn't get any longer, because the longer it gets, the better it is going, and the next game is always the most important, no matter the level of the opposition.

Arsenal need to maintain their momentum and winning their next games will increase their chances of achieving their objectives, as their results are within their control, while they hope their rivals slip up.

For now, Aston Villa is the next challenge, and Arsenal must secure their desired result to maintain their confidence before heading into the next schedule.

2. Own the narrative behind the picture

Arsenal have been trolled for their defeat at Villa Park, not just because of the loss, but their reaction to conceding a late, late winner to their host, who closed the gap on them in the process.

The picture of the day has been translated into that of a team lost in belief and one that will soon succumb to the pressure. However, beating Aston Villa at the Emirates will prove critics wrong, and then they can give the picture their own translation.

3. Show Unai Emery who is the boss

Unai Emery has dominated Arsenal since leaving the club. He ended their Europa League journey in the semi-finals of the 2020-21 edition while with Villarreal, and inflicted a defeat that ultimately cost them the Premier League title in 2023-24.

The Spaniard boasts an impressive record in this fixture, but Arsenal have to show they are a level above Aston Villa, and there isn't a better way to announce that than by winning and going six points ahead in the league.

In the Emirates, Unai Emery remains unbeaten in four visits with three different teams, Sevilla, PSG, and Aston Villa. This win is much needed, especially for the man who succeeded him, Mikel Arteta.

4. Put Aston Villa in their place

Aston Villa are on a historical run, winning each of their last 11 games to equal a club record set twice in 1897 and 1914, a run that included a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park a couple of weeks ago.

With belief rapidly becoming firm that they are also in the title race, a win for Arsenal will not only conquer that belief, but also increase the belief of the Gunners in their status as arguably the best team in the league.

Aston Villa are already unbeaten in their last two visits, the first of which ended Arsenal's title hopes, and the recent one where they came from 2-0 down to snatch a point. This couldn't be a better chance at redemption.

5. Send a clear message to rivals 

Arsenal are unbeaten at home this season, winning all, except the draw with Manchester City earlier, and extending this impressive won't be as good as winning the game, which will further strengthen their title credentials.

Winning this fixture would mean Arsenal have beaten one of the only two teams to get the better of them this season, as well as the team that has won four points in their last two visits to the Emirates Stadium.

Ending Aston Villa's historic run sends a message of intent to rival teams that Arsenal means business and is ready to dominate anyone just to achieve their objectives of winning their first Premier League title in 22 years.

To avoid what could become of them without a win, Arsenal have to dig deep against the most in-form team in the world, literally.

Failure to win means Manchester City will have the chance to move top of the table if they beat Sunderland on the Eve of the New Year, something Mikel Arteta and his minions will want to avoid at all costs.

Arsenal have struggled to win games lately, but as long as they continue to get positive results, it won't matter come the end of the season if their objectives are met. Mikel Arteta knows this, and but he'll prefer more control to be safer.

Team news: Arsenal vs. Aston Villa 

Arsenal played without the duo of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in their last game due to injuries, and it is yet to be confirmed whether the duo will be available for Tuesday night's date with Unai Emery's team.

However, after making his return as a substitute last time, Gabriel is expected to feature again, alongside the fit-again Gabriel Jesus. There is a chance of the inclusion of Kai Havertz and Ben White in the Matchday squad.

For Aston Villa, Boubacar Kamara and Mathy Cash will miss the trip due to suspension caused by accumulated bookings. Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres are also sidelined. Evan Guessand is unavailable due to international commitments with the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations - AFCON.