Journalist James Horncastle took aim at Arsenal supporters over one thing they did as the Gunners lost to Aston Villa.
Arsenal sustained a major blow to their Premier League title dream as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners had their chances to go ahead in the first half, as Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, amongst others, all spurned presentable opportunities in the opening period.
Whilst Martin Odegaard impressed Arsenal fans with his first half display, Mikel Arteta’s side lacked a clinical edge and were made to pay for their profligacy later on.
After the break, Unai Emery’s men came out with plenty of intent. The Midlands outfit took the game to the Gunners. They won the midfield battle and punished the home side with a quick-fire double late on.
First, Leon Bailey was able to meet a low cross at the far post and turn it into the back of the net in the 84th minute. Less than three minutes later, as Arsenal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they were hit on the break and Ollie Watkins was able to dink the ball over David Raya.
What the Arsenal fans did during Aston Villa loss
At this point, the Emirates Stadium began to empty as despondent Arsenal fans made for the exits.
Witnessing this, journalist James Horncastle took to X to state that it is “embarrassing how many fans have left the Emirates.”
During the match, Odegaard was spotted gesturing to the Arsenal fans, urging them to raise the volume levels within the ground and get behind the team.
The players will need the supporters behind them in what remains of this campaign.
What Mikel Arteta needs from the Arsenal supporters now
Of course, fans who have paid for a ticket have every right to leave a match at any point they wish. The supporters’ dismay after this result and performance is certainly understandable too.
It is important that the players, the staff, and the fans keep their belief at this time though. There are still plenty of games to go, and whilst Manchester City are now in pole position, they are not out of sight. The Gunners still have a chance of winning this title, but that opportunity will diminish quickly if the belief in their capacity to succeed is lost.
Arteta has called upon the Arsenal fans to get behind the team already this season, and he will now expect the supporters to step up again.