Mikel Arteta was “surprised” that the Premier League gave the green light for Arsenal’s opener against Brentford after several of his team tested positive for the coronavirus before the game.
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The Gunners, who lost the game 2-0 last Friday, were without forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexndre Lacazette in addition to playmaker Willian and substitute goalie Alex Runarsson, all self-isolating.
Lacazette and Runarsson will be out again for Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, although Aubameyang has resumed training while Willian is evaluated.
The Premier League does not have specific thresholds for a number of coronavirus cases to force a match postponement, but Aston Villa revamped matches last season after their side were hit by a significant number of cases.
“I was surprised but the regulations or the regulators decided the best thing to do was play the game,” Arsenal head coach Arteta said.
“What we did was what we had to do, through the club, through the club doctor as well. He explained the situation, its development and the risk that we considered.
“We had an incredible 48 hours before the game which created a lot of uncertainty. It was probably an unprecedented Arsenal formation.”
Arteta said most of his players have now been stricken with COVID-19, but said it is not mandatory for players.
“Most of them are doubly vaccinated. Others have only one vaccine,” he added.
“We try to encourage them to get vaccinated because they will protect themselves, their families, obviously the environment around the club.”
