Arsenal started their pre-season on a disappointing note with a loss, but what caught people’s attention was Willian’s appearance.
The Gunners signed the 32-year-old last summer as a free agent but the winger has had a shocking season. He made 37 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring just a solitary goal.
The north London club lost their first friendly of the season against Hibernian by 2-1 with Martin Boyle and Daniel Mackey finding the back of the net for the Scottish side. The Gunners’ record signing Nicolas Pepe missed a penalty before youngster Emile Smith Rowe scored a late consolation for the Emirates club.
The former Chelsea man was named in the starting line-up but failed to create any significant situation for Arteta’s side. Eventually, he was taken off the pitch at halftime.
The 32-year-old looked completely out of shape and seems to have gained quite a lot of weight in his abdominal area and it will take a while to get back into full fitness.
The fans have shown their disappointment and questioned the Brazilian’s commitment. Here are some of the best tweets:
No way. 😭 is this photoshopped ?
— :: (@somedaytolive) July 14, 2021
He is playing for an unserious club, why should he be serious
— ⭐⭐ (@SignEveryone) July 14, 2021
Arsenal really turning into a retiring home
— Andile Manong (@Beeds822) July 14, 2021
Arteta will keep this guy and send Willock on loan?😩
— GoonerAbzy (@AbzyfromBrum) July 14, 2021
Lmaoooo 😭😭😭😭😂😂😂
Their club is finished— Joshua Nin 💭 (@theamazing_josh) July 14, 2021
Na charity match or arsenal legends game??
— Andikan (@AndyAfia) July 15, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
Following an awful debut season, Arsenal fans were expecting a better display this time around from Willian. But, his appearance has whipped out any optimism of the Emirates faithful.
The 32-year-old was rumoured to move away from the club, but given his high wages, it will be hard to offload the winger this summer. It was an abysmal advertisement from an experienced campaigner who is one of the few players in the squad with the expertise of winning titles.
Meanwhile, the winger has always been accused of being an inconsistent performer but since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, he has completely gone off the boil. Offering a huge financial package for a player that has already gone beyond the age of 30, is a baffling decision by Arteta.
The Arsenal boss haa made a few bad choices in the transfer market. However, he has changed his policy this time around as the Spanish boss is going for younger players who have plenty of time to develop and flourish at the Emirates Stadium.
Read More: Arsenal interested in Thilo Kehrer as a possible Ben White alternative
