We’re aiming to make the perfect start to our Premier League International Cup campaign when we host Villarreal on Wednesday evening.
THE STORY SO FAR
We come into this match on the back of good league form after losing just once so far this season.
We have got ourselves back into the Premier League 2 title race by recording back-to-back victories against Tottenham and Southampton.
Tyreece John-Jules made the difference in a closely-contested match against the Saints, with his well-taken goal on the stroke of half-time securing all three points.
Two weeks earlier, Trae Coyle scored his first goal of the season as we won the north London derby at the Lamex Stadium. Robbie Burton and Nathan Tormey were also on the scoresheet as we recorded a 3-1 victory.
THE OPPOSITION
Villarreal will be looking for their first victory in the competition after narrowly losing to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening fixture.
The Spaniards found themselves two goals and a man down going into half time after Miguel Diaz saw red after 37 minutes.
Diego Collado Raya pulled a goal back early in the second half but Zagreb held on despite losing a man themselves.
ONE TO WATCH
Tolaji Bola has proved himself to be one of our most valuable players this season and is one of the first names on Steve Bould’s teamsheet.
The left back possesses real quality when winning the ball back, before turning defence into attack with his electric pace.
Bola has one assist to his name so far this season and impressed against senior opposition in the Leasing .com Trophy when we drew with Northampton Town, before losing out on an extra point on penalties.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
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Stay close to Arsenal.com for our match report and post-match reaction.
By Sam Cox
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