Mikel Arteta has acknowledged Arsenal’s limitations in attacking depth following their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, a result that widened the gap between Arsenal and Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Gunners had initially appeared on track for victory at the Emirates Stadium, establishing a two-goal lead with strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.
However, Villa staged a spirited comeback, with Youri Tielemans pulling one back and Ollie Watkins delivering a clinical volley to equalize in the 68th minute.
This slip-up leaves Arsenal six points adrift of Liverpool, who secured a late 2-0 victory over Brentford thanks to two stoppage-time goals by Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool’s ability to maintain their form despite a demanding schedule prompted Arteta to draw comparisons between the two clubs. When asked about Liverpool’s advantage in the title race, Arteta highlighted the impact of squad depth.
“The substitutes made the difference for Liverpool, and they were able to turn the game in their favor,” he remarked. “On our side, it was the opposite. After conceding two quick goals, our team showed resilience but lacked the resources to push further.”
Arteta emphasized Arsenal’s physical exhaustion as a key factor in the game’s outcome, noting that his team struggled to regain control after Villa’s equalizer. Despite a valiant effort to reclaim the lead, Arsenal fell short in the final stages.
Addressing Arsenal’s squad limitations, Arteta noted that Raheem Sterling was the only senior attacking option available on the bench. “You look at the performances we’ve been delivering, and it’s evident we’re competing at a high level,” Arteta said. “But when you assess the bench, it’s clear we’re very short of options.”
The Gunners now face increasing pressure to strengthen their squad as the title race intensifies. With Liverpool poised to extend their lead further if they capitalize on their game in hand, Arsenal’s ability to maintain their challenge could hinge on addressing these depth issues swiftly.