Mikel Arteta believes there are a number of reasons behind Willian’s disproportionate form since joining. This summer Arsenal however supported him to become a force for the club.
Willian joined Arsenal for a free transfer from London rivals Chelsea and got off to a flying start by providing three assists for his debut against Fulham.
However, he struggled to replicate that form – failing to add to the initial goal contributions.
However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not worried about the dip in form.
He believes the lack of pre-season, turning to the front line and the time needed to build relationships with his new teammates have become contributing factors.
‘I think he started really well with the first match against Fulham,’ Arteta said before their clash with Aston Villa.
‘We’re making three changes to the front, he’s got an injury and he had no time for training, no pre-season – he was behind the others.
‘I can see a development in the last two games. The understanding of the things I tell them to do is probably different than what he has done before but he is getting better and better.
‘We all know his quality and are a great option to stay on his pitch.
‘I think he’s a player who can make a difference. When everything was really tight, he was able to find the last act of opening the door to make a goal, to make a goal.
‘I think he has done it really well as he has the personality and stamina to manage the game we need to do at the moment and at Old Trafford.’
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