Arteta faults the Premier League since the Gunners had only two days of preparation for the Aston Villa game, having played Manchester City on Wednesday
The Premier League’s hectic schedule is added to Arsenal woes as they continue their poor run of form. Arteta’s men were only given two days to prepare Aston Villa away from home, which has him criticizing the league for it.
Arteta believes in his young team
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta said: “There are certain rules with the Champions League. When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime]. So, I think that should apply to any competition. But I think following the same principle, physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players, but that’s it.”
“They put the schedule the way they did. It’s a bit unusual, but it’s not about being worried or not worried. We have to play. I want the players to be in the best possible mindset and physically ready to get that challenge going.”
Arteta refers to the fact that if a team from the Premier League has a Champions League fixture on Wednesday, that team will not play any matches on the upcoming Saturday but would rather play on Sunday or even Monday. However, Arsenal have been denied that chance.
“They put the schedule the way they did. It’s a bit unusual, but it’s not about being worried or not worried. We have to play.”
Arteta was then asked about how Nketiah’s goals have dried up and the impact it has on Arsenal’s form.
“The most difficult thing is to score goals, but Eddie produced a penalty that could have been a goal,” he said. “He could have scored a hat-trick and then we’re talking about something else.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t, and so we have these debates. But we have full confidence in these kids.”
The Gunners aim to retake the first spot, at least before Man City face Nottingham Forest later that day.
