Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has given Mikel Arteta his full backing, but admits they have struggled to “function” in the way they should. The Gunners sit in ninth place, but could easily drop into the bottom half of the Premier League table by the end of the weekend if results don’t go their way.
Arteta’s men have struggled heavily for consistency this term, and regularly found themselves in slumps that were hard to get out of.
But Cazorla insists that it’s not a matter of quality in the squad or Arteta’s management, but just thinks that things haven’t really gone their way this year.
“Arsenal have a squad that could fight for the top five in England but this year, because of injuries, it has not been functioning in the Premier League,” said the Spaniard.
“I have watched some matches and I really don’t understand this situation.
“Maybe pressure affects the players, this is the only explanation for me.
“I don’t have any doubts about either bench — Unai Emery is a big coach who has demonstrated his level at other clubs and Mikel Arteta, although he is new in the past year or so, has much experience as player.”
Arsenal get their Europa League semi-final tie with Villarreal underway this week, knowing that European glory is their only chance at silverware this season.
And Cazorla, a who had three separate spells with the Spanish side, admits that he cannot separate his two beloved clubs over who will be triumphant.
“This match is emotional and special because Villarreal and Arsenal are the two clubs of my life,” he added.
“Now, it is impossible for me to choose a winner but I am happy that one of them will get to the final and if they were to beat Manchester United there it would be sensational.
“The round is 50/50.
“Neither club is enjoying a ‘regular’ season but this semi-final is key to both team’s campaigns for several reasons, and being in the final and back in the Champions League is a huge motivation for any player.
Villarreal have suffered two KOs by Arsenal in Europe and now we want revenge.
“That’s normal and maybe that will give them a boost.
“Playing the second leg in London is not as decisive as it would have been before the coronavirus situation and I expect two matches with lots of emotion and fight, and for the team with the best defensive line to win.”
