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Mikel Arteta issues warning to Alexandre Lacazette and Willian after Arsenal defeat

Football

By Mirror | Nov 09, 2020

**Premier League - Arsenal v Aston Villa - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - November 8, 2020 Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette reacts after a missed chance [REUTERS/Richard Heathcote]**

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended Alexandre Lacazette and Willian after their recent struggles - but warned them he will reassess his front-three over the international break

Alexandre Lacazette and Willian have struggled to make their mark for Arsenal in recent weeks.

The Gunners have looked lacklustre in attack and were not at the races in their 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Manager Mikel Arteta shouldered the blame for their latest defeat and, when asked directly about Lacazette and Willian, insisted it is down to him and his team to put them in the best position to succeed.

But he refused to rule out making changes as he warned the pair he will consider his options when his players return from the upcoming international break.

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Despite facing the axe, Lacazette and Willian have been reassured by Arteta he plans to “help” them after their recent struggles.

Asked about the performances of Lacazette and Willian, Arteta said: “My job is to get the best out of the players and put them in the best possible scenario.

**Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in action with Arsenal's Willian and Mohamed Elneny [REUTERS/Richard Heathcote]**

“If they’re not performing it’s because we have to help them more.”

Asked as a follow-up if he will consider changing his front-three, he responded: "We will consider those things when we look back at all the games we played since the last international break.

“It depends on whose in good form, good spirits and we will try to make the right adjustments.”

Asked earlier in his press conference if he needs to reassess his best line-up, Arteta suggested there is no need to panic.

He said: “When you see the way the boys played seven days ago - not 70 - seven days ago and you see how they played today, it's the beauty of this sport as well.

“Unfortunately you cannot take anything for granted and things change very quickly. I'm a very positive person and when things happen like this you get to learn the players and where we are in a much deeper way.

“I want to see the reaction from myself first because it's the first time I've seen my team perform at that level since I arrived here and obviously it hurts big time but at the same time it's my job to make sure the boys do it on the pitch all the time and today for sure I haven't managed to do it.”