Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal duo Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were both taken off due to fatigue and not injuries against Aston Villa. The Gunners strikers were replaced in the second-half of their side’s 3-1 victory over Villa on Friday evening, and many supporters were left concerned with both forwards moving rather gingerly as they were coming off the pitch. However, much to the delight of Arsenal supporters, Arteta has now confirmed that it was more to do with cramp than anything else. Speaking on Aubameyang,
Mikel Arteta said: “No, no, he was cramping.”
And speaking about Lacazette,
Mikel Arteta said: “He worked really hard, he has not played many minutes, he hasn’t played internationals and he is lacking that to finish the games, but it doesn’t matter, he was terrific when he was on the pitch.”
Arteta was also asked about defender Kieran Tierney, who missed the win versus Villa due to a bruised left ankle, the club confirmed before the match. When asked about how long the Scotland international will be sidelined for,
Mikel Arteta replied: “We don’t know how long he’s going to be out. He could not carry on the other day and he’s not available today.”
Arsenal were comfortable winners on the night, with Thomas Partey handing the Gunners an early lead at the Emirates Stadium with his first goal for the club.
