Arsenal fans are not at all impressed by Mikel Arteta’s comments about Willian.
Arteta defended Willian at his press conference yesterday, when he suggested to Football London that the Brazilian was doing all the right things in training.
“What he’s doing at the moment, the way he’s training and working, the way he’s willing to give everything to the team is what I demand. It will come with the quality that he has,” he said.
Willian has come under extreme criticism since his move to the Emirates Stadium, as his performances on the pitch have failed to impress.
And Arteta may be regretting sticking up for Willian so fiercely yesterday, given Arsenal fans’ reaction to his comments.
Arteta clearly does trust Willian, but it has been a surprise to see him getting so much game time considering his form.
Arsenal fans could have been forgiven for questioning why Arteta opted to bring on the ageing veteran over Gabriel Martinelli at the weekend, when they were 4-0 up against Leeds United.
It will also be interesting to see whether Willian will be backed to start this evening, when Arsenal take on Benfica in the Europa League.
Arteta is expected to name a strong line up tonight, and he did say there was a ‘good chance’ that Willian could feature.
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