Mikel Arteta calls loss against Manchester United one in a thousand

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta believes loss against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as one in a thousand. The Gunners lost on penalties despite dominating the whole contest against the Red Devils. 

The home team had 71% possession and took 26 shots, including seven on target. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes scored in the 52nd minute for the visitors whereas Gabriel Magalhães equalized for the hosts shortly after Diogo Dalot was sent off after a bad foul.

On penalties, Arsenal’s striker Kai Havertz missed his chance.

“It’s unbelievable,” Arteta told the BBC. “Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you know, you deserve to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out, and the only thing that’s going to be judged is that, but internally, I can’t.

“I love my players. I love our team and I love how good they are and what they do because in a thousand games, you should lose one, and probably it was this one. You have to understand this as well, it’s part of our industry, our game and move on because you don’t have time to do that, because on Wednesday we have a massive one.”

Meanwhile, German forward Kai Havertz and his wife, Sophia, received threats online and Arteta said it is important to draw the line. Havertz missed two clear chances and also missed the penalty in the shootout.

“It is incredible, honestly. We really have to do something about it,” Arteta said. “Accepting and hiding this has terrible consequences. It is something we have to eradicate from the game.

“On the 27th December we won 1-0 and Kai Havertz scored the goal. That was 20 days ago. Guys, what is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and how we talk.”

Arsenal will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday.