Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal's fringe players that they will 'have to accept' the intense level of competition for minutes this season. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho were among the big names who didn't even get onto the pitch against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
The Gunners found it tough going against their former manager, Unai Emery, at Villa Park until super-sub Leandro Trossard opened the scoring with a clinical 67th-minute finish.
Arsenal found a devastating rhythm from then on and sealed a 2-0 win, as well as the three points, through Thomas Partey. Arteta is hoping to clinch the Premier League title this season at the third time of asking, having been toppled by Manchester City in each of the last two campaigns.
Related articles
And the north Londoners have bolstered key areas of their squad with that in mind, leaving established stars to scrap it out between themselves for a spot in the starting line-up.
Arteta, however, has no sympathy. "The competition is big," he told Sky Sports. "We have great players in his position and (the players) are going to have to accept that.
"We have a huge season ahead of us, a long one, and we will need players to make an impact. Today, (Trossard) had to come off the bench as a substitute and he has given us a (selection) headache for the weekend."
Arsenal's next challenge is at home to Brighton next Saturday. New Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has kicked off his reign in scintillating fashion, with a big win against Everton on the opening weekend followed by a statement 2-1 victory at home to Manchester United.
One player that may not be in a position face Brighton is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian missed out against Villa due to a groin issue, and Arteta confirmed after the game that an MRI scan will soon reveal the extent of the damage.
Related articles
Arteta also suggested that he and Gunners sporting director Edu will look to strengthen in attack before the transfer deadline if the right opportunity presents itself.
"We are really happy with the squad that we have," he continued. "It's true that Gabriel Jesus has an injury, we are missing him and we are a little bit short (in that position). If we can do something, we will do it, but at the moment I love the ones that we have."
