Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have both stressed the importance of Arsenal not giving in to title pressure from Manchester City ahead of their Premier League clash against Aston Villa. The pair both played against Pep Guardiola's men in the 3-1 loss on Wednesday and will be needed to stop a run of three games without victory on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta's men will be aiming to move back to the top of the table, even if momentarily, in their reunion with former manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard was replaced in the Emirates Stadium hot seat by Arteta in 2019 and has driven Villa to an upturn in form after taking over from Steven Gerrard.
Having been unable to do Arsenal any favours last weekend, losing to City, Villa are now in the mood to make more Arsenal fans nervous after their first blip of the season. Arteta has been clear that the run of form isn't terminal though.
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Speaking after just the second loss of the season against Everton he was determined to see the positives, claiming it would make his team stronger and that he loved them more for it. Now, with a draw to Brentford and another loss coming since then, the players have taken a stance of togetherness.
Martinelli, who has been on his worst run of goalscoring form this season having scored in six, doesn't think think that City should be considered favourites despite going to the table's summit. "We know our team; we know our qualities and we are going to stick together," said the 21-year-old.
"There are still a lot of games to play. We know our strengths and we will bounce back. We are a family, and we are going to fight until the end.
"For sure, it is going to be tough games [at Aston Villa and Leicester]. But we are ready. We know our team and we go for it. We lost the game [against Manchester City], but we are Arsenal. We know how big we are and our qualities. We go to the next game to win and try to beat Villa."
The Brazilian has been given competition for his place with Leandro Trossard's arrival but there's no such need on the opposite flank. Saka continues to dazzle and scored his side's equaliser against City from the spot, taking his tally to eight goals for the season.
His message of defiance was a lot simpler, taking to social media to post: "Keep believing."
Arsenal lack the experience in a title run-in that City have an for that reason it makes the 21-year-old's message even more important. The Gunners have got into this position with a joint effort and now need to show that more than ever to bounce back.
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