Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear in pointed message to Arsenal chiefs after Aston Villa blow
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Mikel Arteta sent a pointed message to the Arsenal board over the lack of depth in his squad after being held by Aston Villa. The Spaniard, who only made one change as Unai Emery's four substitutions helped flip the game on its head, wants the club to back him in the transfer market before the end of the month.
When asked if the result cranks up the pressure to make signings, Arteta said: "Not the result, I think when you look at the performances, I don't know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. When you look at the bench you probably say, look at the bench, we are very, very short.".
Raheem Sterling was the only player brought off the bench, replacing Gabriel Martinelli in the 82nd minute, with no other senior attacking options available. Arteta also cited his lack of quality in reserve when quizzed on Premier League title rivals Liverpool winning late at Brentford.
He continued: "Yes, they managed to do that, they made the subs and the subs made the impact and they managed to change the game. In our side it was the opposite. "After conceding the two Villa goals very close to each other, I knew the team could go downhill because we were physically drained but suddenly they found another gear to go again.".
Arteta also admitted he is "worried" about William Saliba's hamstring injury after the Frenchman was sidelined with muscle tightness. He explained: "Tomorrow we will have more and more information, he will have another test and we'll be clear about it. We are worried for sure, looking at our bench, very worried.".
