Arteta starts Mesut Özil and Willian in Arsenal's 3-2 loss against Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta is currently trying to put his players in their top form ahead of the forthcoming season.

It's understood that the 2020-2021 Premier League season will begin on September 12 and Arsenal travel away to Craven Cottage to play Fulham.

Ahead of the game which comes up next week, Arsenal played a pre season friendly against Aston Villa at the Emirates stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal fell to a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa.

It was learnt that Mikel Arteta mixed up his formation with some youth and experienced players as some senior players are currently on international duties for their respective countries.

Although, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was present to captain the team for the game. It was gathered that Willian played his part in the game which Mikel Arteta called up Mesut Özil back into the squad.

Willian recently joined Arsenal from Chelsea as a free agent. 

While Özil hasn't played a game since June when football restarted after three months of suspension due to coronavirus pandemic.

Arsenal fell behind as Douglas Luiz opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half but Aubameyang eqialised just before half time.

In the second half, Jacob Ramsey restored Aston Villa’s lead, but Aubameyang scored his second from the penalty spot.

The game looked destined for a draw but  Ramsey got the winner with his second goal to make it 3-2.