Mikel Arteta issues warning to players after home defeat to Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta has sent an injunction to his Arsenal squad following their defeat at home to Aston Villa. Arsenal falls over to a 3-0 loss to Aston Villa at the Emirates as they failed to build on big victories against like Manchester United and in Europa League.

Alexandre Lacazette missed an easy chance before the half time before Villa turned the match and take the match away from the arsenal with Ollie Watkins striking his fifth and six Premier League goals.

Defeat at the Emirates.#ARSAVL 🔴 0-3 ⚫️ (FT)

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 8, 2020

Two Goals from Villa’s Ollie Watkins and an own goal from Bukayo Saka secured all three points for Aston Villa and Arsenal boss was in no mood to defend his players for last night disappointing performance.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta said: “When we created chances we didn’t put them away. We didn’t win enough duels and the distances between the lines was too big.

“Against Leicester the first half was positive. We can lose a game like that. The way we lost today really hurts.

“It’s not a coincidence we don’t have that consistency. We have to address that. We have to analyse, get a mirror to each of us and look at ourselves. Instead of looking to blame others, look at yourself.”

In another blow, Arsenal will have to wait almost two weeks to put things right with their clash against Leeds at Elland Road coming after the international break that begins in a few days.

The Spaniard said: ”I would rather play tomorrow. I know how hurting they are. My job is to lift them up. I would like to do that tomorrow morning but everyone is on international duty.

“Everyone has to reflect when they’re away and come back and not let it happen again.”

Before adding of his own frustration by saying: “I take full responsibility.

“We didn’t start well enough, we got away with VAR for an offside situation but we lost all the races, the duels and we were sloppy on the ball. When we created chances to score we didn’t even hit the target.

“It’s a really bad combination. As the game went on and we started to be more open, we left spaces.

“Obviously, it’s a team that can do that to you and on the counter we looked really vulnerable.”