Mikel Arteta was delighted with how his side wrestled control of proceedings at Villa Park as Arsenal made it two wins on the bounce in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa courtesy of second half goals by substitute Leandro Trossard and midfielder Thomas Partey.
Here’s what the manager had to say when he faced questions from Sky Sports…
On the timing of an inspired introduction of Trossard…
Well, we had to change the momentum of the game. We had 10 to 12 minutes that we suffered in the second half and we had to change something. And Leo’s got the ability to change the game. His end product is unbelievable. I think he had two shots, two great balls in the box. That could have been another goal or two. So that’s what you need. When it’s not enough with the start, there’s someone that has to come in and do the job.
On whether he felt Arsenal controlled the game…
Yeah, we did, especially because of the approach that Villa had from the beginning, which we were a bit surprised. The way they behaved, especially defensively [was surprising] But it’s fine, then you have to make the game. We had to pick up the pace a little bit because we became too slow because you feel comfortable, but it’s not a game that we want to play. We created two or three big chances. Watkins has one here, a big one, and then David [Raya] changed the game. The save of David [from Watkins] probably changes the whole game, and then we got a good dynamic, scored the goal, and then we were on top of the game.
On Villa surprising him…
They were a little bit different to what they’ve been doing especially at home, but that’s it. We have to adapt. We’re going to have to play a lot of games like that. Their holding midfielder had a very specific behaviour with our attacking midfielders as well. We had to find something else and the moment we understood the game we created more and more problems. And credit to them, they are a great side, they are really well coached and it’s a very difficult place to come and win.
On keeping players happy when they are on the bench…
We’ve talked about that, the competition is big. We have great players in each position and they’re going to have to accept that. And we have a huge season ahead of us, a long one. And you need players to impact it. He [Trossard] did it last year when he started and when he was a sub, today we had to do that and he’s given us a headache now for the weekend [against Brighton].
On whether Arsenal need more players…
Well, we are really happy with the squad that we have. It’s true that we had an injury with Gabi Jesus as well, that we missed him and we are a little bit short, but if we can do something, we will do it. But at the moment, I love the ones that we have. They are really, really good.
On having to get results against big sides this early in the season…
Absolutely, but I was watching the games today and every game is just a big fight. The standards of the league have gone again to a different level, the level of the coaches. Every game is going to be really complicated. You have to earn it and we will try. Two out of two. Obviously a lot of things to improve still, but now focus on Brighton.
On whether Arsenal have enough options in the squad to win the title…
If everybody is fit, yes. But that’s why we need good availability from everybody. We don’t have 23 outfield players and normally you have to be equipped like that. We know we’re not going to get there. We have to trust some academy players and make sure that we look after the ones that we have to be robust and play a lot of minutes. So far looking good, I’m happy.
Hard to keep Trossard on the bench, but he’s so damned effective when he comes on as a sub.
Also, loved it after he scored and Saliba told him to ‘do the eyes thing’!
Why wasnt he in starting 11? His form is much better than Martinelli’s
I’ve said this before but Trossard is my favourite Arsenal player. I know there are many who are better than him but what an impact he’s had from day one.
We got a gem when Brighton sold him to us.
One of my favourites too. Confident, technical, smart, accurate. Class signing.
Danish commentator said only Henry has a better goal per minute ratio than Trossard, I wonder if that is true and why Arteta keeps going back to Martinelli.
Probably arsenal’s man of the match coming off the bench, raya only other consideration. He probably deserves a start but his best moments seem to come as a sub. I have no idea what we should do with him but what a player to have in the squad. Absolute hero.
I thought Saliba was player of the match.
Worthy of mention for sure
I like Havertz’s grit and output. He’s however not very technically gifted and can’t be relied upon as the main striker. He is better suited for those late runs. He’s like a battering ram that gets fixated on the objective without recourse to alternative solutions. Our first goal against Liverpool at home last season is an example. He had Saka free but almost lost us the opportunity by firing directly at Allison. Mercifully Saka was at hand to score from the rebound. Gabriel Jesus isn’t the solution either. A technical player with almost no end product, plus i doubt his… Read more »
He’s one of the best technical players in the team 🥴
Martinelli flashed at 9 before under Emery…I don’t mind him there.
threre are flashes of it. martinelli can break a game open when he has his confidence back so its worth the time giving him a chance. i love trossard as a sub. i i didn’t think he was as effective as a starter in the past but i’m curious to see it now. they will both need to play a lot over the course of the season.
A professional performance. Big hands from Raya today.
This victory would lift confidence and really boost the morale of the players.
Onwards & Upwards 🎯
COYG 💪
Trossard play was excellent, his behaviour was infantile
Anyone else think that we have 3 Gabbys but only need one ? Nelli has either been rumbled or lost his nerve – or both. And Jesus is sadly broken. I can’t be invested. I was with diaby. Rosicky and jack. It never ends well.
Give me all the Gabbies but add to them, with more Gabbies if that’s what it takes.
I might be the only one interested in Arteta’s comments about how they expected something else from Villa. I can only assume he meant pressing. They sat back in a loose mid block and didn’t really engage us until the halfway line but as soon as the ball entered certain zones they swarmed and then played quick outlets. Similar to Porto and Newcastle tactics. I’m betting Arteta thought we would be trying to play out of deep zones all game but that wasn’t the case. We had all of the ball but needed a quarterback type (like Trent) to hit… Read more »