Manager Mikel Arteta expressed one thing as Arsenal fell to Manchester City

Manager Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal squandered a vital chance in the championship pursuit following the 1-2 loss against Manchester City, yet he identified numerous encouraging points.

After the 1-2 defeat to Manchester City, Manager Mikel Arteta did not avoid but directly addressed the key issues, particularly the decisive moments of the match.

He began by emphasizing the narrow difference between the two teams: “It is precisely those small details. When you don't execute them well, and they have the individual quality to make a difference, you will pay the price.”

Arteta also acknowledged that luck played a certain role in the conceded goal: “There was a bit of luck there. The ball changed direction to Haaland's position. And in that moment, you must be very calm, precise, and ruthless. You absolutely have to do it.”

Despite the defeat, the Spanish strategist defended his team's approach to the game: “We certainly played in our own way, especially how we finished the match. There were moments when we needed to be calmer. But the whole team brought the game into the areas we desired. The race is not over, Arsenal can still win the Premier League. Now it's time to start over. This is a missed opportunity, but there are still 5 matches ahead and there are many positives.”

Speaking about the ability to create chances, Arteta asserted Arsenal was not inferior: “100%. We created situations that we believed we could generate. There was even a moment where Kai Havertz was on the halfway line without being offside. This team has brought us to the current level. But when you have a big chance, you must seize it to win.”

When asked about the quality of the match, he rated it very highly: “There were moments of very high competitiveness and intensity. It resembled the opening minutes of a cup final. You have a great opportunity, but you cannot capitalize on it.”

Finally, Arteta maintained his faith in the team: “We had very good moments a few days ago in the Champions League. We are the only team consistently playing at such a high density. The positive is that we have seen the level. We can compete at that level and even be better.”