Arsenal star Arteta pleads for fans' patience

Former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has pleaded with club supporters to understand Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's decision to take off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in last weekend's game with Man Utd; and insisted that supporters must remain patient and wait for the club to turnaround their six years without a trophy.

Mikel Arteta remains hopeful that he will play some part in Sunday's FA Cup battle with Aston Villa at the Emirates. Arteta happened to have been injured prior to the Gunners' Premier League battle with rivals Manchester United over a week ago, but the midfielder wants club supporters to show some support for their much maligned French coach.


Arteta's words offered support for Wenger, as the Spaniard quipped: "Wenger is very important to Arsenal – I have seen that since my first day at the club, and the players are very united with the boss. I understand that the fans were shouting and have been unhappy with results, but I would ask for patience and for them to continue with their support. For the players and the club, that is key."