Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: 5 Keys to a Gunners Win

Arsenal must rebound quickly from their tough defeat to Manchester City, and three points against struggling Aston Villa is the best way to do it.

The Gunners gave the league leaders all they could handle at the Etihad Stadium but in the end came up just short.

Thankfully, although Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool enjoyed victories, both Chelsea and Newcastle United dropped points.

So despite defeat, Arsenal did not lose ground on the teams around them in the congested race for a top-four finish.

But Arsene Wenger's team cannot afford many more slip-ups and need to use their trip to Villa Park to get back on track.

Here are five keys to a Gunners victory over the Villains.

5. Run the Game Through Mikel Arteta

Arsenal must allow midfield maestro Mikel Arteta to dictate the flow of the game. Despite picking up another yellow card against Manchester City, Arsenal.com reports that Arteta will be available for Wednesday's game.

Along with Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta was outstanding in the Gunners midfield against Manchester City.

While Alex Song endured a labouring, clumsy performance, Arteta was composed and precise with his passing.

Arsenal must get Arteta on the ball as often as possible against Villa. The Spaniard needs to utilise his varied passing range to exploit the gaps between Villa's cumbersome defenders.

Arteta has been in inspired form since signing for Arsenal. He should assert himself as the team's chief playmaker on Wednesday night.

4. Be Disciplined in Front of the Back Four

Whether Francis Coquelin or Emmanuel Frimpong get the nod to start in place of the suspended Alex Song, they must remain disciplined in front of the back line.

Whichever young defensive shield is thrust into the lineup must display keen awareness and positional sense.

Villa have plenty of pace in wide areas and could pose a dangerous threat to the Gunners on the counterattack.

Wenger encourages a lot of players to go forward, and both full-backs routinely venture into the attacking third of the pitch.

Arsenal's designated deep-lying midfielder must hold his position and ensure the balance of the team remains strong when the Gunners are on the offensive.

3. Sebastien Squillaci Should Start

French veteran Sebastien Squillaci should be given a Premier league start on Wednesday night.

Johan Djourou's injury on Sunday means that Laurent Koscielny will likely move over to right-back.

Rather than put Thomas Vermaelen back in the middle and start youngster Ignasi Miquel at left-back, Wenger should opt for the experienced Squillaci to play alongside Per Mertesacker.

Squillaci has struggled at times during his brief Arsenal career.

But the former Sevilla man redeemed himself in the eyes of many Gunners fans with a solid performance against Manchester City in the Carling Cup quarterfinal.

Inserting Squillaci into the starting 11 would allow Vermaelen to remain at left-back, where his performances have been exceptional.

With Charles N'Zogbia on one flank and Gabriel Agbonlahor set to return from suspension on the other, Miquel could find himself exposed.

2. Theo Walcott and Gervinho Must Expose Villa's Lack of Pace in Defense

Wide forwards Gervinho and Theo Walcott must deliver better performances than they managed against Manchester City.

The duo have the pace and trickery to torment a plodding Villa back four.

Central defenders Richard Dunne and James Collins are particularly cumbersome.

Gervinho is adept at using good movement and making clever runs through the middle. He must attack Collins and Dunne in a similar way on Wednesday.

Walcott should concentrate most of his efforts on making runs to the inside of full-back Stephen Warnock. The Villa left-back had a torrid time against Liverpool's Stewart Downing on Sunday.

Walcott needs to impose himself on this game early and provide Robin van Persie with better service than the Dutchman received at the Etihad Stadium.

1. Aaron Ramsey Needs to Make More Runs into the Box

Finding more ways to provide support to Robin van Persie has to be a top priority for the Gunners heading into this match.

One answer to the problem is for young Welsh schemer Aaron Ramsey to make more late runs into the box to link up with Arsenal's prolific striker.

As well as he played against Manchester City, Ramsey didn't attack the Citizens back four enough. Considering how advanced he plays, Ramsey needs to get into the box more often.

He is a clever and assured finisher with the ability to provide Arsenal with a more-than-healthy number of goals from midfield.

Wenger Must End His Alex McLeish Jinx

Despite Villa's tepid form this campaign, any Arsenal fan expecting a comfortable victory should think again.

Dour Villains boss Alex McLeish has given Wenger fits in recent seasons.

In the 2007/08 season, two draws against McLeish's Birmingham City side, one of which was the scene of Eduardo's horrific leg break, cost Arsenal the Premier League title.

Two seasons later, a 1-1 draw in Birmingham marked the beginning of the end of Arsenal's late-season title push.

No Gunners fan is ever likely to forget the club's humiliating defeat to McLeish's men in the 2011 Carling Cup final.

McLeish has routinely succeeded in setting up his teams to stifle the Gunners, and Wenger's more determined and direct version of Arsenal will have to work very hard to create their chances.

Victory is crucial for Arsenal's pursuit of a top-four finish. Their shaky start to the season leaves little room for error, and they must keep the pressure on the teams around them.