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Mikel Arteta took full responsibility for Arsenal’s 3-0 home loss to Aston Villa on Sunday, saying “we weren’t a team.”
The victory at Old Trafford last weekend was another step in the right direction with Arteta, and the Spaniard would have hoped his team would build on that morale-boosting result.
However, they fell to 11th place with this loss and Arteta was not impressed with what he saw.
“First of all congratulate Aston Villa for the way they played and the victory,” he said. Sky sports.
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“After that we performed below our standards and I have to say this is the first time I have seen us play and we weren’t a team.
“I take full responsibility. We did not start well enough, we went out with VAR due to an offside situation but we lost all the runs, the duels and we were careless with the ball. When we create chances we don’t hit the target. It’s a combination really Bad We left spaces and at the counter we seemed very vulnerable.
“I take full responsibility. I am responsible for making the team work on the field and today we were not a team and it is my job. That is why I am here.
“It is a frustration. It takes a lot to generate momentum, to build a way of being, living and acting and when something like this arises it is difficult to accept, but in a difficult moment you learn more than in a positive moment and I want to see how we react “.
In his press conference, he added: “I did not see the spirit for the first time, and it is totally my fault because that is why I am here. Today I have not managed to make the team play to the fullest.” level as we need it every three days.
“I’m struggling to find the reason, but obviously there was something there today. They wanted it more than we did. If you can’t defend your box, it’s a very difficult way to win football games.”
“We need to be more ruthless, but today it was about how we did the job and who we were as a team. I didn’t like it from the first whistle when we got away with the goal and then after. It just wasn’t good enough.”
Smith: As good as Liverpool’s performance
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The excellent away win was a true declaration of intent on the part of Dean Smith’s Villa, who have now beaten Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal this season. It’s a result that elevates them to sixth place in the Premier League, with one game in hand. Win that and they’d tie points with leader Leicester.
“Personally, I felt it was as good a performance as when we beat Liverpool 7-2,” Smith said. Sky sports.
“Our work off the ball was the most enjoyable aspect. We worked with the 11 to restrict a good Arsenal team.
Ollie Watkins heads in the first of his two goals against a lousy Arsenal
“We looked so calm and played with such intensity with and without the ball. We were a threat every time we advanced. It was a really excellent performance. The players are very excited for the victory after the last two results. I doubt we would have to be there. at our best tonight. “
Ollie Watkins, who helped himself to hat-trick against Liverpool, has quickly adapted to this level, but Smith was never in doubt that the 24-year-old would quickly make the jump in the class.
“I was always confident that it would start to work,” he added. “The boy is a young boy, but he’s played 250 games. He was a regular at Exeter and Brentford. When you’ve played that many games, you understand. Working with better players helps him, that’s for sure.”
Whats Next?
Arsenal travel to face Leeds live Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday, November 22; The start is at 4.30 pm.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa hosts Brighton on Saturday, November 21 at 3pm.
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