Willian has explained how he struggled since joining Arsenal last summer. The Brazilian ensures Mikel Arteta's support has been invaluable. The 32-year-old forward spent seven years with Chelsea before completing a free transfer to the Emirates last August. "Well it’s never easy changing club, especially after being somewhere for so long. I was at Chelsea for seven years before coming to Arsenal and then you have a new club, new people, a new philosophy," Willian told Arsenal’s official matchday programme ahead of the side’s clash with Crystal Palace. "Things are different so I’m still adapting but I feel good, I have been learning a lot – a new footballing philosophy. Everyone is great here. I know I can improve a lot, and of course my performances on the pitch can be a lot better." The Brazilian has also explained the reasons behind his poor form. "To be honest sometimes it can be difficult to explain. The first game was great for me, against Fulham, I felt I had a good performance and gave two assists. And then, I don’t know. I’m always trying to do my best, sometimes things don’t go the way you want. You have to say it’s a part of football and a part of life. Sometimes you have good moments, other times you have bad moments, you have to learn from that. And right now, I know I’m far away from being at my best, but I’m determined to work hard and change this." Asked whether he had discussed his underwhelming start with the Spaniard, Willian responded: "Of course we talk about lots of things together, and I know I have his support. That’s great for me, and to have the support of the club, so what I can do is always work hard, give my best in training to try to improve myself. This is the only way to get back to good performances." Willian claimed there was no reason why he and his team-mates can’t get their hands on major trophies this season. "We need to keep playing our football in the same way that we have recently. I think we have to continue on that way because we can improve every week, and still achieve our goals. "We want to get back up to the top of the Premier League, it’s still possible for us to win trophies this season so that’s our aim. The Europa League starts again next month – there are still a lot of games left to play this season. "I know that this squad is capable of winning more trophies. They showed it last season before I arrived in the FA Cup and I think we are getting stronger all the time. We have very good players and there’s no doubt we have a squad to win things. "Let’s take it step by step and we will get there. If you look at the league table, it’s so close. We know we are low down the table, but in fact we are still only ten points off top. "Of course that’s more than we want at this stage, but it’s also not too much that we can’t aim for it. If you can win three or four consecutive games, you can quickly be there, moving up. ‘We have to go for it now in the second half of the season."
Source: Metro/*Join us on Telegram!