Sports

As Aston Villa thrash Arsenal 3-0 at home, Mikel Arteta says we were not a team

Published

5 years ago

November 9, 2020

Arsenal boss left frustrated after Aston Villa ran riot with 3-0 win at The Emirates; Ollie Watkins scored twice in a dominant performance from Dean Smith’s side; Arsenal drop to 11th in Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta took full responsibility for Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, saying “we weren’t a team”.

Victory at Old Trafford last weekend was another step in the right direction under Arteta, and the Spaniard would have expected his side to build on that morale-boosting result.

However, they slipped to 11th with this defeat and Arteta wasn’t impressed with what he saw.

“First of all congratulations to Aston Villa for the way they played and the victory,” he told Sky Sports.

“After that, we performed below our standards and I have to say it’s the first time I’ve seen us play and we weren’t a team.

“I take full responsibility. We didn’t start well enough, we got away with VAR for an offside situation but we lost all the races, the duels and we were sloppy on the ball. When we created chances we didn’t hit the target. It’s a really bad combination. We left spaces and on the counter we looked really vulnerable.

“I take full responsibility. I am responsible to make the team perform on the pitch and today we were not a team and it is my job. It is why I am standing here.

“It is a frustration. It takes a lot to build momentum, to build a way of being, living and performing and when something like that comes up it’s a hard one to take but in a hard moment you learn more than in a positive moment and I want to see how we react.”

Speaking in his press conference, he added: “I didn’t see the spirit for the first time – and it’s totally my fault as that’s why I’m here. Today I’ve not managed to get the team to play at the highest level like we need to every three days.

“I’m struggling to find the reason but obviously there was something there today. They wanted it more than us. If you can’t defend your box, it’s a really complicated way to win football matches.

“We need to be more ruthless but today it was about how we went about the job and who we were as a team. I didn’t like it from the first whistle when we got away with the goal and then afterwards. It just wasn’t good enough.”

Smith: Just as good as Liverpool performance

Dean Smith was delighted with his side’s performance in their win over Arsenal, particularly the defensive side of their game.

The fine away victory was a real statement of intent from Dean Smith’s Villa, who have now beaten Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal this season. It’s a result that lifts them up to sixth in the Premier League – with a game in hand. Win that and they would go level on points with leaders Leicester.

“Personally, I felt it was as good a performance as when we beat Liverpool 7-2,” Smith told Sky Sports.

“Our work without the ball was the most pleasing aspect of it. We worked with the whole 11 to restrict a good Arsenal team.

“We looked so composed and played with such intensity with and without the ball. We were a threat whenever we went forward. It was a really top performance. The players are really excited about the win after the last two results. We were in no doubt we had to be at our best tonight.”

Ollie Watkins, who helped himself to a hat-trick against Liverpool, has adapted quickly at this level – but Smith was never in doubt that the 24-year-old would swiftly make the step-up in class.

“I was always confident that he would hit the ground running,” he added. “The kid’s a young lad but he’s played 250 games. He was a regular at Exeter and at Brentford. When you’ve played that number of games, you understand it. Working with better players helps him, that’s for sure.”

What’s next?

Arsenal travel to face Leeds live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday, November 22; kick-off is at 4.30pm, while Aston Villa host Brighton on Saturday, November 21 at 3pm.

Sports

Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another historic milestone after scoring his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in Al Nassr’s 4–2 victory over Al Shabab on Thursday night, further cementing his impact on football in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese forward struck in the 75th minute, finishing a precise cross from Sadio Mané to put Al Nassr 3–1 ahead in a crucial league encounter that strengthened their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

The goal also marked Ronaldo’s 26th league goal of the current season, maintaining his impressive scoring form as Al Nassr continue their push for the league title.

His teammate, João Félix, delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the team’s victory and help them extend their lead at the top of the standings to five points.

Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League

Sports

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2026

Trends Admin

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

The president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the rising cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, insisting that pricing reflects market demand and existing resale regulations, particularly in the United States.

Infantino made the comments during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, responding to widespread criticism from fan organisations and supporters’ groups who argue that ticket prices for the tournament have become unaffordable for ordinary football fans.

He explained that FIFA operates within US laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value, arguing that this structure naturally drives up secondary market listings. His comments came after reports that the official FIFA resale platform listed World Cup final tickets in New York at prices exceeding $2 million per seat.

Supporter organisations, including Football Supporters Europe (FSE), have strongly criticised the pricing system, describing it as excessive and unfair. The group has also filed a complaint with the European Commission, challenging FIFA’s ticket pricing structure ahead of the 2026 tournament.

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

Sports

Bukayo Saka Sends Arsenal Into First UCL Final Since 2006

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Bukayo Saka Sends Arsenal Into First UCL Final Since 2006

Arsenal FC reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades after a gritty 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a 2-1 aggregate win following last week’s 1-1 draw in Madrid, showing resilience and maturity to overcome one of Europe’s most defensively organised teams.

The breakthrough came in the 44th minute after sustained Arsenal pressure. A clever attacking move involving Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard unsettled Atletico’s backline, forcing Jan Oblak into a weak save. Saka reacted quickest, tapping home from close range to send the Emirates into celebration. The goal capped another standout performance from the England international, who continues to embody Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta.

Atletico responded strongly after the break, with Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone both going close in a frantic opening spell. However, Arsenal weathered the pressure with composure and defensive discipline. Goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save to deny Antoine Griezmann, while Gabriel Magalhaes produced a vital last-ditch intervention to preserve the lead and secure progression.