Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted his frustration after the team’s clean sheet run came to an end against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. He had hoped to leave the stadium with all three points but had to settle for a point after Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta credited Sunderland for their fight but stated that his players should have defended better in the two situations that led to the goals.
“And the game was almost there, but you know this is the Premier League and the manner that they play, they’re going to hang in there when it’s just one goal difference,” he said.
Arteta added, “I’m upset and frustrated because it’s an action that we can defend better, but as well you have to give credit to the opposition to do what they’ve done, to put the ball there, to head the ball the way they’ve done it, and then they strike it to do that action and to put the ball in the net. Sometimes you have to do that and recognise that as well.”
Reflecting on the end of Arsenal’s run of eight successive clean sheets, Arteta revealed, “I felt a pain in my tummy. I don’t want to concede any goals. It was a goal that put the game in a difficult position.”
Despite the draw, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, six points clear of Chelsea. However, the lead could be reduced to four points if Manchester City beat Liverpool, or five points if Liverpool overcome the Cityzens.
Arteta also heaped praise on Sunderland following the draw, emphasizing the competitiveness of the Premier League. “There are no easy games in the Premier League,” he said. “And again, it’s not a coincidence what they are doing, and they decide to be where they are, and we do as well.”
Arsenal players have now split for the international break and will return next week, preparing for crucial fixtures ahead. They are set to face Tottenham in the league, followed by matches against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and Chelsea later in November.
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