'We deserved more' - Mikel Arteta rues failure to seize momentum in Arsenal defeat to Manchester United
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Published 03/12/2021 at 09:35 GMT
Having taken an unconventional lead thanks to Emile Smith Rowe's quirky early opener and then swiftly levelled proceedings at 2-2 through Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta was disappointed with his side's inability to take control of the contest. The loss leaves Arsenal just one point ahead of Tottenham, who have a game in hand.
'We were sloppy against United' - Arteta reacts to defeat at Old Trafford
Mikel Arteta rued Arsenal's failure to seize momentum as his side slipped to a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Having taken an unconventional lead thanks to Emile Smith Rowe's peculiar opener while David De Gea laid stricken on the goalline, Arsenal failed to take control of the contest and ceded the lead to the hosts, conceding goals either side of half-time.
After Martin Odegaard had equalised moments after Manchester United's second, Arteta's side again appeared well placed to leave Old Trafford with at least a point but the Norwegian's foolish sliding challenge on Fred allowed Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to win the fixture from 12 yards.
Arteta insisted that his side deserved more from the game and reiterated his belief that Arsenal are going in the right direction despite defeat.
“It is what it is. If you concede three goals at Old Trafford it is difficult to get a result. I was disappointed with the goals that we conceded,” Arteta said.
“We’ve come a long way since the game at Anfield. We were able to maintain higher periods for longer.
“When we were in control we had a better structure and created chances. When it was 2-2 we needed to build momentum to get the win.
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“There were a lot of things that I liked In the game. I liked the behaviour of individuals. When you score two goals at Old Trafford you expect to get something from the game and that is a regret, but that is our fault.
“When you see the game you would say we deserved more but that is what happens against this quality of opponent.”
Arsenal remain fifth in the Premier League but are now just one point clear of rivals Tottenham, who beat Brentford on Thursday night and have a game in hand.
The defeat means Arsenal have now lost more games (25) against Manchester United in the Premier League than any other club.
A continuing concern for Arteta is the poor form of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who again largely failed to impose himself on the game.
"The senior players have to lead and the young players have to follow," the Arsenal manager said of his side's performance.
"I think we were sloppy in possession. We gave the ball away to the opponent and suddenly there were so many errors that gave them belief."
Arsenal next travel to Goodison Park for a Monday night meeting with struggling Everton on December 6.
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