Arsenal leader Michael Arita says his side played well in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, but he could easily lose.
Gunners fought behind a goal after Bruno Fernandes scored a free kick in the halftime.
Declan Rice pushed a beautiful strike from the post before climbing the crowd of Old Trafford, but the second side of the Premier League had to be installed for a point.
And there was a huge opportunity for the hosts to win it at the end of the game, but for a David Raya Save, not his first afternoon.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “When we had the first half we had where we were great, we didn’t try the owner.
“We had some incredible situations, but we didn’t get the last shot or the last pass. We didn’t use, they rushed to the game, we started losing duels and we could end up losing it.
“The execution must be in the right player and the right player to shoot.
“We opened the gate to lose the game. There was no chance of losing the game and we opened it ourselves. I will defend my players all the time, but at those times we have to do better.”
“It was a bit of stupidity from us.”
Declan Rice reacts to Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Man Utd 🔊 pic.twitter.com/jcyxqi7Pyg
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) 9 March 2025
Rice reiterated his director’s thoughts, admitting that they played well in spells, but eventually the draw was a fair result.
The English midfielder continued to add that although Arsenal now sat 15 points behind Liverpool in the title race, they will continue to push until the end of the season.
He said: “In the first half, we had some beautiful pieces of play, but we didn’t have this peak. In the second half, we were very naive and almost gave the game to Man United. To get back to the game and score and continue to push. It is probably a fair point.
“We have noted seven middle week and this is not luck.
“I haven’t seen the target back. He felt that the ball threw on us at a low height. (The wall for free kick) felt far behind.
“I was happy. I think it’s a part of the Banter football between me and the fans. It’s an area where I want to keep going in and I have created more chances. I have to continue to add goals. The administrator wants to play me in the number eight to add goals and helps.
“The chance in the end with Bruno and David to make two great savings, so I say that naivety. It was under us and we could throw the game away.
“As the manager said, we will continue until the end of the season. Liverpool were amazing all year. We are Arsenal. We have hit hard by injuries. We will continue and be okay.”
