Arteta 'proud but disappointed' of Arsenal following Villa comeback

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said that he is proud but also disappointed after his side gave up a two-goal lead to play out a 2-2 draw with visitors Aston Villa on Saturday.

The result meant that the Gunners now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points, having played one game more.

Arteta's side were cruising after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Unai Emery's Villa hit back through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins to salvage a draw.

Arsenal have now dropped 12 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, their most in a single campaign since 2019-20 (21).

Though the draw extended Arsenal's unbeaten run in the league to 12 matches, Arteta believes his side deserved more.

"We were unbelievable. I am so proud of the way we played and how dominant and how fluid we were and how much we put into it," the Arsenal manager told BBC Sport.

"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.

"The speed, energy, quality and level of the performance. It is the best performance we have had against Villa as they're a really good side. But we need to get the result in."

The points are shared at Emirates Stadium. Thank you for your support, Gooners. pic.twitter.com/ViKVDVl70b

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025

Arsenal's good work earlier in the game was undone during a chaotic eight minutes in the second half when the visiting side scored twice.

It was the first time they failed to win a Premier League home game after leading by two goals or more since October 2019, when they were held 2-2 by Crystal Palace.

"We were 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," Arteta said.

Arsenal thought they had scored the winner when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Havertz but only for the goal to be overturned by the referee after a VAR review for a handball by the German forward.

"Yes, I have seen it. From one angle it doesn't look [handball] and from another angle it does look handball," Arteta said of the incident.

"The decision is done. We had many other chances that we could have put away without that goal."

Arsenal will next face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, where they have collected 13 points from six games.