Mikel Arteta sends Liverpool transfer warning to Stan Kroenke when assessing Arsenal title chances

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Mikel Arteta was satisfied with Arsenal’s performance in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

The Gunners led by two goals at the Emirates however, Aston Villa had two replies for the hosts’ efforts.

Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz’s goals to see the game end level.

Arsenal painfully had a late winner ruled out as Havertz handled the ball from Mikel Merino’s strike, leaving the points shared in yet another draw.

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Mikel Arteta offers Liverpool verdict in Arsenal transfer message

Arsenal fans were unhappy with VAR’s decision to rule out the winning goal; however, it was clear that the ball hit Havertz’s hand.

There were greater concerns from the contest than the disallowed winner, as the Gunners failed to keep their two-goal lead intact, leading to the defence being criticised.

William Saliba was sorely missed against Villa, as Jurrien Timber slotted into central defence with Thomas Partey, who was blasted by Paul Merson, playing at right-back.

Due to Saliba’s injury, Arteta had limited options, with matters not helped in-game as the Spaniard’s lack of squad depth became clear when looking at the substitutes bench.

Arteta was quizzed about Arsenal’s lack of squad depth after the game, as the boss was prompted to compare his side to Arne Slot’s following Liverpool’s late win.

“There are moments obviously, they managed to do that. I mean, the subs made the impact and they [Liverpool] managed to change the game,” Arteta said in response to Liverpool’s late three points.

The Arsenal manager went on to send a subtle transfer message to owner Stan Kroenke, suggesting that his subs were unable to offer an impact like Slot’s.

“On our side, it was the opposite even though after conceding the two goals very close to each other, the danger was because I knew half the team was, that we could go downhill because we were physically drained.”

Arteta is no longer masking the fact that he needs signings, despite entering the transfer window adamant that he had full trust in the Arsenal squad.

Arsenal board must back Arteta in the transfer window

As Liverpool’s claim to the Premier League grows, Arsenal’s seems to weaken week by week.

Injuries are not helping Arteta’s efforts as it becomes abundantly clear that the manager needs some help from those above him. 

The Gunners must recruit in the January transfer window if there is any chance of remaining in the Premier League title race, with the schedule not set to get any easier.

Kroenke must answer Arteta’s plea promptly by giving the Spaniard the tools to get the most out of the 2024/25 campaign.