We Cover YOUR Football Club

Football News from around the World

WILLIAN: ARSENAL STRUGGLES CONTINUE IN VILLA DEFEAT

Arsenal midfielder Willian has been a shadow of himself since his summer move from London rivals Chelsea and his poor form continued during the shocking home defeat to Aston Villa in their Premier League meeting at the weekend.

Willian had spent almost a decade at Chelsea before the failure to agree a new contract paved the way for him to sign for the North London team on a free transfer.

The Brazilian made a lively start to his Arsenal career with two assists on his debut at Fulham in the first game of the new Premier League season. Since the Fulham game, Willian has been missing in action in his other Arsenal games including the aforementioned Villa game at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.

The player has failed to score or provide an assist since the Fulham game to underline his poor form in an Arsenal shirt. Since the Fulham game, Willian has featured in nine league and cup matches.

The last of those nine games came against Aston Villa who were good value for their stunning 3-0 victory over the Gunners as they recorded their first win at the Emirates Stadium since 2008.

Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka put through his own net to give the visitors a first half lead before a quickfire second half brace from Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins sealed a comprehensive win for his team.

Willian played 65 minutes of the Villa game before being replaced by Ivorian international Nicholas Pepe. The ex-Chelsea star was poor during his stay on the pitch and even missed a very good chance to equalize for the Gunners before his substitution.

Arsenal fans have grown impatient with Willian and his struggles at the club and this was evident on various social media platforms as they pointed out that the Brazilian was one of the reasons for the heavy loss to the Dean Smith-led Aston Villa team.

His manager was quick to defend Willian and the other players in his post-match press conference as he shouldered the blame for the bad result.

Willian has a relatively long-term contract at Arsenal and Gunners faithfuls’ can only hope he rediscovers his form though the demand for him to fall out of the starting line-up has increased after the Villa game.

The Brazilian signed a three-year deal at Arsenal with big weekly wages when he joined the Gunners on a free transfer this year.