Mikel Arteta sends feisty title message to Arsenal critics - 'Living in a different world'

Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday

Mikel Arteta refused to use the absence of key players as an excuse for his Arsenal side’s defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Gunners manager selected his sixth different back four of the season in the absence of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera.

“It is what it is,” Arteta said. “I think we have to cope with that. We're going to have to cope with that for a period of time as well.

“We know that, and the team has to be able to adapt to that. Don't look for excuses. Obviously, we know what those two bring, especially in games like this. But the other two, I think they were exceptional as well today. So, that's it.”

Arteta confirmed Mosquera would be missing for several weeks after scans revealed the injury was worse than initially expected.

He has also lost Riccardo Calafiori for their next league game at home to Wolves after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Despite the defeat and the obvious sense of disappointment that was seen at full-time from the team, Arteta offered a valuable message to his players.

“Yeah, I mean, everything that they have put into the last two weeks and the results that we got, the performances, and to lose it that way emotionally is very touching,” Arteta admitted.

“You just feel that, yeah, everything that you put, it hasn't been worth it. But it is worth it, because we will learn again from today and it will make us a better team again.

Naturally, what will follow the result will be plenty of discussion and questioning of this Arsenal side and their capacity to win the league.

“Well, it's been five months in the competition, and so far, we've coped,” Arteta said. “But we're going to have to prove that we can cope again, again, again, for another six months, that's the level.

“So, if you see me in this moment, 10 points clear, I think we're living in a different world.”