Emiliano Martinez has suggested that one Arsenal man is one of the best in the world as he backed the Gunners to remain in the Premier League title race after their defeat to Aston Villa today....CONTINUE READING
Arsenal have been beaten in the top-flight for the first time in 2024. Late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins saw the Villans stun the Emirates.
The result means that the title race is no longer in Arsenal’s hands. And given Manchester City’s record, many may be expecting Pep Guardiola’s men to now step their foot on the accelerator.
It was alarming how poor Arsenal were. They failed to take a number of chances in the first-half. But after the break, there is surely no question at all that Villa were the better side and thoroughly deserved their victory.
Mikel Arteta has a huge job on his hands to pick his players up. If there are any scars from last season within the ranks, this defeat may be the one which opens them up again.
There is still a long way to go however. And speaking to Sky Sports (broadcast on 14/4; 18:51), Emiliano Martinez backed Arteta to give them the best chance of getting back on track before the title race is decided.
“I think it was 10-11 years I was here. I’ve still got friends here. I came here as a lad and left a man. I’ll always love this club,” he said.
“They are still second, they’ve come far and have one of the best managers in the world. I’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta]. I know how good he is.”
Arteta has now got a real point to prove. He has had so many plaudits this season, and rightly so. But this has the potential to be a hugely damaging defeat.
Some may wonder if Arteta has tried to be too clever with some of his changes ahead of the game. And those changes definitely did not work.
Kai Havertz has been exceptional up front lately. Meanwhile, Jorginho has stepped up on a number of occasions since arriving. And yet, Arteta deviated from his previous plans.
There was to be no masterstroke from the Arsenal boss. And he will now have to figure out how exactly he picks up the pieces as the Gunners are surely now going to need to be perfect to stand any chance of lifting the title..<<CONTINUE READING>>
