Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be watching from the stands when his team takes on Aston Villa this weekend, and tensions are already running high. The last time these two teams met at Villa Park, there was a physical altercation in the stands resulting in a ban and a fine. With Arteta now being banished to the directors' box, the rivalry is only set to intensify.

Arteta's Yellow Card

Arteta received his third yellow card of the season for "excessively celebrating" a victory in a recent match. As a result, he will not be able to be on the sidelines for the Aston Villa game. This might actually be a relief for the players who are used to Arteta's intense coaching style.

Arteta's Impact on Arsenal

Despite the controversy surrounding Arteta, there is no denying that his methods are working. Arsenal has shown a determination that has been missing for a long time, with several stoppage-time goals and a solid defense. They currently have the best away record in the Premier League and will provide a tough test for Villa's home winning streak.

Unai Emery's Lingering Bitterness

Adding to the tension is the lingering bitterness of former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who was dismissed to make way for Arteta. Some believe that Arsenal would already be champions if Emery had been allowed to continue. However, it is important to remember that Arsenal was in a mess when Arteta took over and he had to rebuild the squad. His investments in players like Declan Rice have paid off, with Rice becoming a key player for the team.

Potential Title Decider

The upcoming match against Aston Villa is crucial for Arsenal's title prospects. If they can secure a win, along with a victory against Liverpool in two weeks, they could be nine points ahead of Manchester City by Christmas. While City has come from behind to win the league before, Arsenal's late goals and hunger for success make them a formidable opponent.

Manchester United's Controversial Ban

Manchester United recently banned several journalists for not contacting the club before running a story about manager Erik ten Hag losing the dressing room. However, it is unlikely that the club would have confirmed such information even if asked. This incident highlights the complicated relationship between clubs and the media.

Harry Maguire's Player of the Month Award

Harry Maguire was named Premier League Player of the Month for November, but some question whether he truly deserved the award. Manchester United's victories over relatively weaker teams were taken into account, while their defensive struggles in other competitions were ignored. Maguire's form has improved since the start of the season, but whether he is truly the best player in the league is up for debate.

Prankster "Jarvo" Strikes Again

A YouTube prankster known as "Jarvo" has once again caused disruption, this time at the Euros draw in Hamburg. He has a history of interrupting sporting events and was even jailed for a fake robbery. Many believe it is time for him to face the consequences of his actions.

FIFA President's Climate Change Hypocrisy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently attended Cop28 in Dubai and spoke about the importance of climate change and sustainability. However, his decision to award the 2030 World Cup to six nations spread across three continents raises questions about his commitment to the cause.

European Hooliganism

Football hooliganism, once known as "the English disease," seems to have shifted to other countries. While English fans have made progress in terms of behavior, incidents like the recent violence caused by Legia Warsaw supporters at Villa Park serve as a reminder that the issue is not entirely resolved.