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Mikel Arteta comments on Willian display for Arsenal last night

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was pleased with Willian’s performance against Dundalk on Thursday evening, as quoted on BBC Sport (22:20).

Willian did not start the Europa League game against Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium in North London last night.

However, the Brazil international, signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 following his departure from Chelsea, came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, as the Gunners won the Group B match 3-0.

Arteta was happy with the display produced by the 32-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, and is pleased that he is now back to full fitness.

The Brazilian had been suffering from a calf problem lately, as reported by Football.London, but he is now fully fit and available for selection.

BBC Sport (22:20) quotes Arteta as saying about Willian: “We missed Willian the last couple of weeks, he had a very short pre-season. He needs that bit of rhythm. He looked good today, great to get some minutes in his legs.”

How did Willian play against Dundalk?

Arsenal had virtually won the match by the time Willian came on as a substitute.

Although the Brazilian did not make a massive impact on the game, he did show some good touches in and around the Dundalk penalty box and looked lively.

According to WhoScored, the former Chelsea star had a pass accuracy of 96.6%, took 35 touches, attempted one dribble, and put in three crosses.

Boost for Arsenal

Arsenal will return to action on Sunday when they take on Manchester United away from home at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The Gunners’ chances of picking up all three points from the encounter will be boosted by Willian’s return.

The Brazilian scores goals and creates chances, and him being an option for the match, either in the starting lineup or as a substitute, will be welcomed by Arteta.

According to WhoScored, Willian has provided two assists in five Premier League games for Arsenal so far this season, while during the 2019-20 campaign, the Brazilian scored nine goals and gave seven assists in the league for Chelsea.

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