Mikel Arteta is urging his players to respond “with character and leadership” after the shock 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa threatens to derail Arsenal’s Premier League title bid.
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Mikel Arteta has ordered his shell-shocked Arsenal team to respond “with character and leadership” following Sunday’s damaging defeat to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery recorded a euphoric victory against his former club to dent their title hopes and end an 11-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich on Wednesday for a place in the Champions League semi-finals with a well-balanced draw at 2-2 after the first leg before a trip to Wolves on Saturday where they hope to put their title race back on the table. rails.
“We have the best opportunity to react against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. The team has to show that. If you want to win, you have to overcome these situations,” said Arteta, who said captain Martin Odegaard was replaced due to from a “leg” injury.
“With the games we had, it was going to happen. Now it’s about how we react. It’s in our control.
Mikel Arteta ordered his shocked Arsenal team to respond ‘with character and leadership’
The Gunners’ title hopes were dealt a blow on Sunday following their defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates.
“We knew this moment could come, it is time to react and believe in it. We must stand up, show leadership and character – we have no other choice. Now is a big test for us.
“If a result (makes us lose our belief), then we are not strong enough. We (Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City) all have to play every three days, it’s crazy.
“We just have to prepare, go to Munich with great belief. It’s a great opportunity to go to the semi-final of the Champions League so it couldn’t come at a better time.”
About his team’s victory, Emery said: “We are very happy, I think they were focused. We analyzed our process as a team and we prepared this match as a very difficult match but to try to take the three points.
“We were convinced by our own moments and we did it. But we needed a high commitment.
Emery downplayed the personal significance of the victory given his links with Arsenal, adding: “It’s not for me, it’s for Aston Villa. We now have 63 points and are closer to being among the top five. That’s the only thought I had before the match.
“It was difficult because Arsenal are having an incredible season. I am very proud of our work and the concentration of the players, demanding of themselves.
Unai Emery said victory at the Emirates was a major step in the race for the Champions League.
Regarding his team’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, the Spaniard concluded: “Yes (it seems like a big step).
“But today it was the same three points we were playing for last weekend against Brentford when we were 2-0 up and drew.
“These are the same three points we will play next Saturday. If we are not consistent, we can lose. This is the level we want to be at.
