Mikel Arteta has blamed Arsenal's limited squad depth for their struggles keeping up with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa saw Arsenal drop six points behind the leaders,
Arsenal managed Mikel Arteta refused to criticise VAR but slammed the defending for Ollie Watkins' equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
In each of the past four Premier League campaigns, Arsenal have recorded more points than the season before: from a nadir of 56 points (eighth) after Arteta took over midway through the 2019-20, to 61 points (eighth), to 69 points (fifth), to 84 points (second) to 89 points (second) last season, just two points behind champions Manchester City.
Arsenal lost further ground on Liverpool in the title race, letting a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa. There were more injuries for Mikel Arteta to deal with before the game when William Saliba was ruled out with a muscular injury. Jurrien Timber covered at centre-back for the first time, with Thomas Partey moving to right-back.
Arsenal's lack of squad depth was exposed as Aston Villa came from 2-0 down to draw in the Premier League on Saturday against an injury-depleted side at the Emirates Stadium
Mikel Arteta wasn't happy with a decision during Arsenal's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, with the Gunners desperate for three points following title rivals Liverpool's late victory
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said his team were "nowhere near the standards" demanded of them after surrendering a two-goal lead against Aston Villa.
He was not even in the squad after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Mikel Arteta has said the VAR had a "difficult" decision when awarding a handball that denied Arsenal a game-winning goal against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club are planning to strengthen before the end of the January transfer window.The Gunners suffered another setback to their title hopes yesterday
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks after 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.