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Mikel Arteta admits criticism of under-firing Willian is 'normal' and not 'unfair' as Arsenal's big-earner continues to struggle after Chelsea move

Mikel Arteta has not rushed to the defence of Arsenal's under-performing summer signing Willian, but instead surprisingly admitted that the heavy criticism aimed at the 32-year-old is not 'unfair.'

Willian signed for the Gunners to much fanfare in the summer, after leaving Chelsea as a free agent and committing to their London rivals.

After failing to hit the ground running for Arsenal the Brazilian has found himself in and out of the team under Arteta, and his manager now admits that criticism directed at the misfiring star is 'normal.'

Mikel Arteta says the ongoing criticism surrounding summer signing Willian is not 'unfair'

Speaking to the Guardian this week, Arteta said: 'I don’t say it’s unfair because expectations are really high in terms of the goals he can score, the assists he can create.