Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on his team’s mindset following their commanding 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League. The win marked Arsenal’s second consecutive triumph, keeping them level on points with reigning champions Manchester City, who also enjoyed a dominant performance earlier in the day.
In his post-match interview, Arteta revealed that the painful memories of last season’s defeats to Aston Villa were at the forefront of the players’ minds as they took to the pitch. Arsenal’s losses to Villa in both home and away fixtures had contributed to their failure to secure the Premier League title last season, and Arteta noted that the team was eager to make amends this time around.
“It feels like we had some unfinished business,” Arteta said. “There was a history in those two games last year. It was in our toughness, and we had to show that today against a very difficult team. We found a way to win the game.”
Arteta praised the performance of his players, highlighting their dominance and ability to create numerous chances throughout the match. Despite not translating all their opportunities into goals, the manager expressed satisfaction with the team’s grit and determination to get the result.
“We generated a lot of situations and a lot of dominance, but we didn’t translate that fully into the score,” Arteta added. “To be a great team—a total team—you need everyone to contribute. What the substitutes did today, especially Leo [Trossard], was unbelievable.”
The victory came after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who made a significant impact off the bench to seal the win for the Gunners.
Looking ahead, Arteta hinted at further strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes, despite the team’s solid start to the season. Reports suggest that Arsenal may be eyeing a surprise signing, with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams rumored to be on their radar.
The victory allows Arsenal to maintain their momentum early in the season and exact a measure of revenge against a Villa side that caused them problems in the previous campaign.
