Arteta: ‘Incredible’ Arsenal Missed Chance to Beat 10-Man Man United
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disbelief that his team couldn’t secure a win against 10-man Manchester United in their FA Cup third-round match on Sunday, especially after being eliminated on penalties following a 1-1 draw in extra time. The home side came from behind to equalize, with Gabriel scoring after Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead, and they had the opportunity to go ahead when awarded a controversial penalty.
However, captain Martin Odegaard’s attempt from the spot was denied by Altay Bayindir, who made the sole save in the shootout, stopping Kai Havertz’s penalty to allow United to advance to the fourth round. Arsenal missed numerous chances to clinch the victory at 1-1, with Havertz failing to convert a relatively easy opportunity in the final 10 minutes of regular time. Arteta was astonished that his team ended up losing. “It’s incredible not to win the game,” he told the media. “We dominated, were superior to our opponents, and did everything possible to secure a win, yet we didn’t achieve it. We clearly didn’t get what we deserved, but there’s a part of it that revolves around putting the ball in the net. We scored once, but with the many chances we had, including penalties, we didn’t score again. We return home very disappointed, but I couldn’t be more proud of my players.” Arsenal approached this match having remained unbeaten across their last 10 Premier League matches and having reduced Liverpool’s lead to six points, even though they had played one more game.
Nevertheless, on the heels of a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final, Sunday’s FA Cup elimination diminishes the Gunners’ chances for trophies this season. On Wednesday, they are set to face local rivals, such as Tottenham Hotspur, at the Emirates Stadium. Still, Arteta downplayed any extra pressure following two consecutive cup defeats and emphasized his focus on the quality of their play. Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off in evident pain during the first half on Sunday, prompting Arteta to worry that the Brazil striker might be sidelined for an extended period. “It’s a major concern, that’s how I feel,” Arteta noted. “He had to leave the field on a stretcher while in considerable pain, touching his knee, and it doesn’t look promising.”