“I don’t know if it’s inexperience or bad luck.”
Mikel Arteta is in disbelief over costly moment during Arsenal’s loss to Man City last night in the Premier League.
The Gooner’s manager watched his side surrender their position in first place to the reigning champions after losing 3-1.
Goals from Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland meant that City overtook Arsenal for the first time this season, although the London side still have a game in hand.
For De Bruyne’s goal, Takehiro Tomiyasu made a dreadful pass back that gave the Belgian a golden opportunity to score and Arteta couldn’t believe it when he seen it.
“It’s exceptionally difficult to play at the level that they require you to play.” Arteta told Sky Sports.
To have the chance to win, we had it at many moments, but if you give three goals away the way we did, we gave them the game.
“I don’t know if it’s inexperience or bad luck, but I’ve never seen Tomiyasu make that pass back in seven years. He did it to them. It’s part of it, but they have the quality to punish us.
“It’s a marathon. So psychologically it’s very far away. But I said it three months ago and I’ll say it again today, it’s about tomorrow.”
Pep Guardiola said just a few weeks ago that his team were not in the title race, and that he didn’t care because they had won it before.
🗣️ "I've never seen Tomiyasu make that pass back in 7 years."
🗣️ "Now they drop points, we are there."
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta on last night's win for Man City against Arsenal. 🔴🔵pic.twitter.com/CY6ZdbyULT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2023
However, in recent years when this City side have smelt blood, they usually go for the finish, and at long last Arsenal have started to wobble.
The London side have only picked up one point from a possible nine in their last three games.
Last year Arsenal were heavily criticised for being in a strong position to get fourth place, but crumbled in the dying games and only managed fifth.
Related links:
- Kevin De Bruyne mocks Arsenal fans after Man City win
- The perfect quiz for the perfect season: Arsenal’s Invincibles
- Mikel Arteta’s reaction to Everton defeat is epitome of the modern manager
