Arteta after Arsenal drop more points: ‘We cannot concede the two goals we did’

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Emirates Stadium on January 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side need to improve defensively after conceding twice in quick succession to draw with Aston Villa.

The Gunners were two-nil up after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz scored either side of half-time, but Villa thought back through two quick fire goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

Arteta was proud of how his players conducted themselves after a busy week, but was disappointed by how they let the game get away from them in such a short space of time.

“Pride [at] the way the boys played and competed, the third time in six days,” Arteta said. “To deliver that dominance, that performance, they were outstanding. We deserved much more, that’s clear.

“The way we defended, especially the second goal, can’t be part of our game. Nowhere near the standards of what we demand. It is a thin line against them as they keep you on the verge all the time.

“Overall the word is pride because they were exceptional. The way they tried [was impressive]. There were players that were dead and performed like this for 97 minutes. They don’t look for excuses or to the bench looking what to do.

“We were unbelievable. So proud of the way we played, how dominant, how fluid we were and how much we put into it.

“We played three games in six days. So proud of them, but at the same time so disappointed. We deserve more. We didn’t get it, and we are sad because of that.

“It was the best game we played against Villa since I’ve been here. They’re a good side. In attack and defending, the level we’re playing is so high. Something was missing. The line is so thin and we have to find it.

“Today we cannot concede the two goals we did after everything we did. That line is so thin. Credit to them as well.”

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