“Cannot be prouder” – Mikel Arteta DEFENDS players as Arsenal suffer embarrassing defeat to Manchester United in FA Cup

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his players and praised them for their efforts, despite the club's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

“Cannot be prouder” – Mikel Arteta DEFENDS players as Arsenal suffer embarrassing defeat to Manchester United in FA Cup

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his players, despite the club's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. (via Independent)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed optimism and was full of praise for his players, despite crashing out of the FA Cup in the third round. The Gunners lost on penalties to 10-man Manchester United at the Emirates after full-time scores tied at 1-1.

The Gunners failed to qualify past the third round of the FA Cup, making it the fifth consecutive season that the club has unsuccessfully attempted to win the competition. The record 14-time FA Cup winners last won the competition back in 2019. Since then, they have failed to even make it past the fourth round. Against United, Arsenal disappointingly lost 5-3 on penalties.

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Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the visitors in the 52nd minute. However, the Gunners leveled soon after through Gabriel Magalhaes’ strike in the 63rd minute. Arsenal’s lack of killer instinct in front of the goal cost them, despite recording 26 shots throughout the match. Kai Havertz missed a crucial penalty during the shoot-out, allowing United to run away with a hard-fought victory.

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Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta, despite the defeat, defended his players by stating that they made him proud for their effort against the ‘tough’ opponents. He suggested that Arsenal deserved to win by a mile, claiming that his side was superior in terms of dominating with the ball, against the opponents.

We go home extremely sad but I cannot be prouder of my players, the team, the individual collectively what they produced on Wednesday against two top teams it’s incredible.

Mikel Arteta to reporters (H/T Hayters.com)

Mikel Arteta will definitely be rethinking his strategy after two back-to-back defeats, against United in the FA Cup, and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim will breathe a sigh of relief after having claimed his first victory to end a five match win-less run. 

Mikel Arteta forced to look for reinforcements following Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury blow

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been left worried after Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury during the club’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. The club has now been forced to look for reinforcements in the ongoing winter transfer window. 

Mikel Arteta Gabriel Jesus injury
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been forced to look for attacking reinforcements, following Gabriel Jesus’ injury. (via Standard)

Jesus was stretchered off the pitch in the 40th minute against United after coming in contact with Bruno Fernandes. Mikel Arteta issued a worrying statement after the match, revealing that the Brazilian forward was in a lot of pain. The club is now on the hunt for a forward in the transfer market. Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko have emerged as potential options. 

The need for reinforcements in Arsenal’s attack looks necessary. Wingers Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri are also out injured for a long spell. Moreover, the team’s weak offensive abilities were highlighted in their last three matches, two of which they lost.