Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Football.London that Willian played well against Burnley at the weekend.
The Gunners played out a 1-1 draw with Burnley away from home at Turf Moor in the Premier League this past Saturday.
Brazilian winger Willian started the match, and the former Chelsea star provided the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal after just six minutes.
The 32-year-old, who can also operate as an attacking midfielder, provided an assist for Arsenal in their win against Leicester City and created a goal against Benfica in the Europa League as well.
Arteta has said that although Burnley made it difficult for his side at the weekend, Willian played well.
The Spaniard told Football.London: “It’s always a difficult game to play here for the forwards the way they play here, but I thought he had some really good moments in the game.
“There were some moments where we struggled because we played their game for 25 minutes in the second half which they do that really well to weight the game where they want.
“It’s pretty difficult to get out of it when the ball is always stopping, when there are free kicks and goal kicks and throw ins, but it’s their game, but the moment we got control and we can use the spaces and he can have short relationships with his teammates I think he’s very efficient.”
Encouraging signs
Willian has not had the best of times since joining Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 after leaving Chelsea, but he is starting to get back to his old form now.
With the Gunners still in the race for the Premier League top four and aiming to win the Europa League, the Brazilian could play a big role in the coming weeks.
According to WhoScored, the 32-year-old has made 14 starts and six substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season, providing five assists in the process.
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