“We could have ended up losing”

Arsenal’s head, Mikel Arteta, says that his side played well in the 1-1 tie with Manchester United, but could have easily lost.

The Gunners fought a goal down after Bruno Fernandes marked a free foul in the middle of the time.

Declan Rice dragged a beautiful strike to the publication before squeezing the people of Old Trafford, but the second place of the Premier League had to settle for a point.

And there was a great opportunity for the hosts to win it at the end of the game, but for a savings by David Raya, not the first in the afternoon.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said, “When we had the first half we had where we were exceptional, we didn’t try the goalkeeper.

“We had some incredible situations, but we did not get the last shot or last pass. We did not take advantage, we precipitated the game, we started losing duels and we could have lost it.

“The execution must be to the right player and the right player to shoot. The way we granted (possibilities) at certain times was not acceptable. They have so much quality and choose the right player and usually this would end in a goal.

“We opened the door 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 the moment we have to do it better.”

“It was a bit of stupidity for us.”

Declan Rice reacts to the 1-1 draw of the arsenal in Man UTD 🔊 pic.twitter.com/jcyxqi7Pyg

– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) March 9, 2025

Rice echoed the thoughts of his manager, admitting that they played well in spells, but finally the draw was a fair result.

The England midfielder added that although Arsenal is now 15 points behind Liverpool in the title race, they will continue to press until the end of the season.

He said, “In the first half, we had some beautiful players, but we didn’t have this advantage. In the second half, we were very naive and almost gave the game to Man United. To return to the game and mark and continue to press. It is probably a right point at the end.

“We scored seven weeks and it’s not lucky. PSV had not lost at home for two years. Man United did well and sat on the low block. It can take 90 minutes to break down -there was not much in the game.

“I haven’t seen the goal again. He felt the ball flew over us at a low height. The wall (the lack of lack) felt far behind. Anthony (Taylor) is the Ref, makes this decision.

“I was happy. I think it’s a little football between me and the fans. It is an area where I want to continue and I have been creating more possibilities. I need to continue to add goals. The manager wants to play -Me at number eight to add goals and assists.

“The possibility in the end with Bruno and David make two great savings, which is why I say this naivete. It was for us and we could have taken the game.

“As the manager said, we will go ahead until the end of the season. Liverpool has been incredible throughout the year. We are Arsenal. We have been strongly affected by injuries. We will follow and be fine.”