"I had to..." - Arteta reveals what he told Arsenal players at half-time to inspire Aston Villa comeback

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed what he told his players at half-time to inspire a comeback against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Gunners came from behind twice to secure a 4-2 victory over Villa to boost their title hopes as Manchester City dropped points.

Ollie Watkins gave the Midlands side the lead, which they restored through Philippe Coutinho following an equaliser from Bukayo Saka.

However, it was Arteta's speech at half-time which spurred his side on and saw them score three goals, with two coming in stoppage time.

What did Arteta say?

Speaking to talkSPORT, Arteta explained how the reaction from the players at the end showed just how much his side wants to be successful.

He said: "When I see the reaction of Zinchenko and when I see the reaction of Granit [Xhaka] going through the pitch [to celebrate]

"At half-time I had to tell them, ‘What I said a few days ago is not because I think something is different, you have to do it and the moment is now. After 45 minutes it’s gone’ and they really reacted."

Asked if he told the squad they have to win at half-time, he replied: "It’s now, it’s now, it’s now. After that, it’s looking at each other, ‘we should have done that’.

"We have to raise individual level and do the simple things right and play with much more purpose and quality."

The win takes them back to the top of the Premier League table two points clear of City and with a game in hand over their title rivals.

The pressure was on the Gunners following the recent defeats to the reigning champions and Everton as well as a draw against Brentford.

Turning games around in such a dramatic fashion is often a hallmark of sides that go on to lift the Premier League title, and Arteta admitted they are in the race.

He said: "We are there. Tomorrow we train, recover and go again. It’s going to be a long journey!"