Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip against Aston Villa, seriously complicating their chances to compete for the Premier League title. The draw leaves the London team in second place with 44 points, trailing Liverpool by six points, with an additional game in hand. The stumble has raised concerns at the Emirates Stadium, particularly regarding the management of the bench during the match.
Mikel Arteta used only one of the five available substitutions, bringing on Raheem Sterling for Gabriel Martinelli in the 82nd minute. This decision appears to have been a clear message to the board. In the post-match press conference, the Spanish coach was emphatic: "We have a team that competes well, but if you look at the bench, we lack alternatives," making it clear that reinforcements are needed in this transfer window to stay in the Premier League race.
Arteta does not want injuries to complicate the season; they need signings
Arsenal is going through a critical moment. The long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus has left the team without their main offensive reference, and Arteta believes that the lack of squad depth is limiting the club's aspirations. With less than two weeks until the market closes, the manager insists that it is essential to strengthen the attack and other key positions.
Time is running out, and Arsenal needs to act fast if they want to remain competitive. Arteta has sent a clear message: without signings, it will be very difficult to end the season successfully. The ball is now in the board's court.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La exigencia de Arteta al Arsenal