Arteta Frustrated Despite Point at Sunderland, Highlights Defensive Lapses
SUNDERLAND – Mikel Arteta expressed frustration following Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw with sunderland, acknowledging defensive vulnerabilities despite recognizing the opponent’s quality. The result leaves Arsenal just one goal ahead on aggregate heading into the return leg.
Arteta lamented a preventable goal conceded,stating,”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 the striker it to do that action and to put the ball in the net.” He emphasized the competitive nature of the Premier League, noting, “You don’t get to any place in the Premier League where you think you’re going to have a cozy afternoon, evening, though you want to call it.” The draw underscores the challenges Arsenal faces in maintaining its position and highlights the need for advancement on both sides of the ball as the season progresses.
Arteta acknowledged the impact of the result on his players, saying, “Yeah, of course it hurts, especially when it costs you points. We know that we have to do better, and even though we’re conceding goals, there are things that we have to improve on the ball.” He reiterated the importance of learning from setbacks, adding, “Learn from the past and get back.”
The Arsenal manager admitted to feeling “a pain in my tummy” when the clean sheet record was broken, describing it as a goal that ”was putting the game in a difficult position.” He affirmed that Sunderland “deserve to be where they are, and we do as well.”
