Mikel Arteta gives 'don't know' Aston Villa response and makes feelings clear about Unai Emery

Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Mikel Arteta previews Arsenal's Premier League clash against Unai Emery's side

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he has huge admiration for Unai Emery ahead of hosting Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Villa head to north London on the back of a Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg victory over Lille at Villa Park and will travel to France a few days after facing Arsenal on Sunday. Thursday night's 2-1 win over Lille was Emery's 1,000th game in management and Arteta spoke glowingly of his compatriot in his pre-match press conference.

"[1,000 games is] Unbelievable and he’s done it in so many different countries too," the Gunners boss said. "He’s very close to my home town and I have huge admiration for him. I wish him the best after Sunday."

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Arteta added: "What they have done since Unai came in [is good]. They have made a huge impact on the club. They are still in a European competition and I am really impressed with what they have done.

"We don’t know what they are going to do [on Sunday]. They won last night and they are a good side. We know they're dangerous and they have strengths - we will try to win it."

Arsenal may have one eye on their own European commitments next week as they face Bayern Munich in Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. But while they are locked in a three-way race for the league title, Arteta is calling for focus.

"We will know the results, but we have our duty to win our game and that has already happened [previously this season]," he said. "It will happen in the next few weeks [too]. We will focus on what we can control.

"It's really good and the most beautiful part of the season. It's a very busy schedule and Sunday we have a tough one against a really good side."

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