Willian has struggled for form since he joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer. Mikel Arteta has once again spoken on the matter.
Mikel Arteta has finally admitted that the recent criticism handed to Willian is a ‘fair’ assessment of the player’s performance.
The 32-year-old has largely underwhelmed since making the move from London rivals Chelsea last summer.
Bar three assists in his debut against Fulham, Willian has contributed nothing to the Gunners’ charge, with only two shots on target in over 20 appearances.
It means the Brazilian is yet to score or assist in his last 24 games, and that leaves for below-average numbers for an attacking player.
Arteta has publicly backed Willian on many occasions but has accepted for the first time that the criticism is warranted.
“I don’t say it’s [the criticism] unfair,” the Gunners boss said as per BBC.
“The expectations of Willy and the goals he can score, the assists he can create. It’s normal that people will write things about him. We have to protect him as much as we can”
Regardless, Arteta is confident that Willian can turn his career around at the Emirates.
“The way he’s training, the way he’s working, the way he’s willing to give everything to the team, is what I demand,” he added.
“Whether he’s more successful or less successful in the game is another matter. It will come with the quality that he has.
“But at least what I demand from every player is the full commitment and to put the passion and everything they have in every training session and when they have the opportunity to play.
“And so far Willian has done that every single day.”
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