Former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos has hit back at criticism levelled at Mikel Arteta following the defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, urging fans to have patience with their Spanish coach.
The Gunners fell to a meek 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace and former legend Patrick Vieira, and in truth never looked in danger of turning the game into a contest despite having over 80% possession in the second half of their trip across the capital.
And this led to some questioning the methods of the manager, not least self-styled Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, who took to Twitter to lament the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January transfer window following Lacazette's continued goal drought.
'This is actually a moment when Arsenal fans need to accept Arteta made a massive season-wrecking mistake in giving away Aubameyang & relying on Lacazette to lead the line', the disgraced Newspaper editor wrote. 'I said it would come back to haunt us - and it is'.
Dani Ceballos, who spent 2 years on loan with Arsenal and won the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta, hit back at the former presenter, however.
'Let him work, he is very top. He will also take Arsenal to where it deserves to be. Patience', he told Morgan.
Arsenal still on for Top 4?
Arsenal have fallen out of the top 4 with this defeat, behind north London rivals Spurs on goal difference, but with a game in hand on Antonio Conte's side. They still have to travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the season is done, as well as trips to Stamford Bridge and the London Stadium, while they will welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.
Top 4 is still very much in their hands, then, and if they can come through these games unscathed they will have one foot in a Champions League group for next season. They cannot afford too many repeats of Selhurst Park, however.
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