Mikel Arteta sends clear Arsenal transfer message as he makes Liverpool comparison | OneFootball

Arsenal were short of options as they chased a late winner against Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are “very short” in attack and need reinforcements after they dropped more points in the title race by drawing with Aston Villa.

Arsenal are now six points off Premier League leaders Liverpool, who earlier on Saturday beat Brentford thanks to two late goals.

Darwin Nunez was Liverpool’s hero, coming off the bench to score twice, and it was in stark contrast to Arsenal’s attacking options.

Raheem Sterling was Arsenal’s only fit senior forward on the bench and Arteta admits they need to add while the January transfer window is open.

“When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level on the league, but when you look at the bench, probably you say, I think we are very short,” he said.

“There are moments, obviously. They (Liverpool) managed to do that, they made the subs and the subs made the impact - and they managed to change the game.

Raheem Sterling was Arsenal’s only senior forward on the bench

REUTERS

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

“Suddenly, the team find another gear to go again and just put Aston Villa in the box and go on, go again, trying to find the goal that wouldn’t have been able to score at the end.”

Arsenal have struggled in attack recently due to injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, but it was their defence that proved their undoing on Saturday.

Thomas Partey switched off for Villa’s equaliser, allowing Ollie Watkins to run off him and volley home Matty Cash’s cross.

Arsenal were without star centre-back William Saliba due to injury, but even so Arteta said they were not good enough at the back.

“I think every situation is very different,” said Arteta. “As well, we have comeback from situations more than probably before as well.

“Today, I think you have to give credit to the opposition. [Lucas] Digne puts in an unbelievable ball, [Youri] Tielemans arrives there.

“The second one, it’s nowhere near the standards that are required and overall, again, what the game showed and how we perform, the scoreline reflection is nowhere near what it should be.”