Dani Ceballos hits back at Piers Morgan over criticism over Arteta decision

Morgan delivered his verdict in the wake of Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.

The result has left Arsenal fifth in the Premier League, level on points with Tottenham who have played one game more.

But Morgan believes Arteta’s decision to let Aubameyang sign for Barcelona in January has ‘come back to haunt’ Arsenal as they chase down a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

‘This is actually a moment when Arsenal fans need to accept Arteta made a massive season-wrecking mistake in giving away Aubameyang and relying on Lacazette to lead the line,’ Morgan posted on Twitter after Arsenal’s loss to Palace.

‘I said it would come back to haunt us – and it is.’

However, Ceballos, who spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal, defended Arteta.

‘Friend, let him work, he is very good,’ Ceballos wrote in his response to Morgan.

‘He will also take Arsenal to where they deserve. Patience.’

Speaking after Arsenal’s defeat to Palace, Arteta branded his side’s performance as ‘unacceptable’.

We weren’t at the races today, especially in the first half,’ said the Arsenal boss.

‘We were late to every ball, we were soft in the duels and we didn’t earn the right to play, and when we did a little bit we were sloppy on the ball.

‘We didn’t have any dominance or sequences of play when we could take control of the game and we conceded two poor goals as well, so overall it’s unacceptable.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.