Mikel Arteta calls for Arsenal reaction after Aston Villa hammer blow

LONDON – Arsenal’s English Premier League title destiny was wrenched out of their own hands as they lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa on April 14, but manager Mikel Arteta said how they react will be crucial.

A first loss in 12 league games brought back horrible memories of last season, when Arsenal collapsed under relentless pressure from Manchester City.

Late goals by Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins secured a superb win for Villa on a day when Manchester City were left as clear favourites to win a fourth successive title.

City, who thrashed Luton Town on April 13, have 73 points from 32 games, with Arsenal and Liverpool, who were stunned by Crystal Palace earlier on April 14, on 71.

“That’s the reality now,” Arteta said, when asked if City were now in charge of the title race.

“It’s been the same for a few months. We knew this moment could come and now it’s about reacting well. If one result is going to (derail us) then we are not strong enough.

“We had a great performance in the first half, it should have been three or four. Second half the momentum shifted.

“Now the moment is to stand up and be counted.”

Thousands of fans streamed out of the Emirates Stadium after Villa’s second goal as Arsenal’s hopes of a first title in 20 years were dealt a mighty dent. They still have six games left, however, and midfielder Declan Rice said all was not lost.

“Sometimes you need a game like this to reset and refocus and I still believe there will be loads of twists and turns,” Rice, who was not at his influential best, told Sky Sports.

Arsenal can ill afford any sort of hangover after their first league defeat since December. They face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 17, having drawn 2-2 in the first leg.

They then go to Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 20, when they would have the opportunity to go top of the table again, albeit having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s City.

“After losing any game they are frustrated and sad,” said Arteta.

“We have a beautiful opportunity that hasn’t happened in 14 years to go to the semi-finals of the Champions League. It couldn’t come in a better moment.”

Meanwhile, Villa’s win put them three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for fourth and they are favourites to secure the last guaranteed Champions League qualifying berth.

Unai Emery was asked if the win over Arsenal tasted sweeter as it was against a club who dispensed with his services 18 months after he replaced Arsene Wenger.

“It’s not for me, it’s for Aston Villa,” the Spaniard said.

“Now we have 63 (points) and we are closer to being in the top five. That is the only thought I had before the match.”

“It was tough because Arsenal are having an incredible season,” he added. “I’m very proud of our work and the focus of the players, being demanding of themselves.”

REUTERS