Every word from Arteta’s post-Villa presser | Press conference | News

There were plenty of talking points following our 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday at Emirates Stadium.

After the game Mikel Arteta faced the media, and was asked about the game, injuries in the squad, dropping points, the state of the title race and more.

Here’s a full transcript…

on the late goal being disallowed late on…

I haven’t seen it enough. There was one angle that looked like it [hit his arm]the decision is made, that’s it. Incredibly proud of the team, I think it was an immense performance, immense. Against this team, what they’ve done, after playing three times in six days, with the same players, not having enough to change it, I cannot be prouder of that. Then, very disappointed with the result, obviously, we can fault ourselves as well because defending the way we did especially with one of the goals as well, it cannot be part of our game if we want to be at the highest level in this country because the rest is, what else can I ask the team to do against a really good side.

on dropping points from winning positions:

I think every situation is very different. As well we have come back from situations more than probably before as well. Today, you have to give credit to the opposition, Digne puts in an unbelievable ball, and Tielemans arrives in there. The second one is not at the standards we require and overall again, what the game showed and how we performed, the scoreline and reflection is nowhere near.

on news on Saliba’s fitness:

Not yet, I think tomorrow we will have more information, we will have more tests on him and we will be more clear about it.

on if he’s worried about Saliba’s injury:

Yes, for sure, especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench. Very worried.

on winning one win in the league in six with Partey at right back:

I cannot judge just because one player plays in one position.

on Liverpool winning and the title race:

Yeah, there are moments obviously, they managed to do that. I mean, the subs made the impact and they [Liverpool] managed to change the game. And on our side, it was the opposite even though after conceding the two goals very close to each other, the danger was because I knew half the team was, that we could go downhill because we were physically drained. Suddenly, the team found another gear to go again and just put Aston Villa in their box and go and go again, trying to find the goal that we haven’t been able to score at the end.

on which side will be happier:

I’m not happy, I cannot talk about the rest, but about the difference between the two teams, I think that was very obvious.

on missing Saliba for both goals conceded:

No, I think the first one I think the centre back is dragged out to the wide area because their full back is releasing so it’s Mikel that’s following Tielemans in this case, and the second one is a set piece that the central defender can be in any other position and probably Willy wouldn’t be there in the second phase, so not too easy to point a finger.

on the pressure to make a signing:

Not at the result at the moment. You look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. When you look at the bench, probably you say I think we are very short.