Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken out after his side’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday, with the Spaniard criticising his side for some ‘slightly bad things’.
The Gunners went into the game knowing they had to win to keep their hopes of winning the Premier League title alive.
And though Arsenal weren’t at their best, a goal from Leandro Trossard in the 20th minute was enough to give them all three points.
Arteta was visibly delighted at full time.
Arsenal star Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring against Man Utd on Sunday
PA
But while pleased with his side’s victory, Arteta admitted his players were guilty of some ‘slightly bad things’ as they battled their way to all three points.
“We needed a result today in a really difficult place,” he said.
“Our history was not in favour of a result today, there was so much at stake and we’re happy with the result.
“We started the game really well and were dominant.
“We scored the goal and I think the goal led to slightly bad things because we started to play too safe, too sideways, too backwards with not enough structure.
“We started to give the ball away in good areas and that is a danger against them.
“But we defended well and didn’t concede too much.”
Trossard also spoke out after the result.
And the winger praised his team-mates for the way they defended, while also admitting Arsenal were ‘struggling’ a bit throughout the clash.
“Maybe it wasn’t the prettiest game but credit to the guys, we defended so well,” he said.
“We kept another clean sheet and one goal is enough to win the game.
“We were struggling a little bit so it was so nice to get the win.
“When you’re only 1-0 up it is always a bit tricky. We were trying to score a second but they are dangerous on the counter attack.
“It is a great run for us and now we take it to the final game. You never know what is going to happen.”
He continued: “Man Utd are still a good team and they can hurt you in different ways so credit to the boys – we defended really well.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had mixed feelings after his side’s 1-0 win over Arsenal
PA
“Obviously we only have one objective to win the league.
“We have done our job today and it will be up to the last game and that is what we are aiming for.
“Hopefully next week we can celebrate something, you never know it could be. We can only hope.
“We have done our job and that is the only thing we could have done.”
And Havertz, who impressed once again, added: “We prepared for the game very well, we didn’t have our best game but we needed the three points and we have it now so we can be happy.
Arsenal players celebrate after Leandro Trossard strikes against Man Utd
PA
“We have to win every single game as City are always keeping the pressure on.
“It is so nice to be in the Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta criticises players for ‘bad things’ as narrow Man Utd win boosts title chances race and every week you have to play at your best.
“When you do it, it feels even better. We have one game and we need the whole club behind us – anything is possible.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
