Premier League leaders Arsenal’s cushion is shrinking ever further. The Gunners are striving for composure.
The struggling Premier League leaders FC Arsenal will not be deterred by their first home defeat this season. Team manager Mikel Arteta described the 2:3 (1:1) in the prestigious duel against Manchester United as “a really painful defeat,” but added: “We have to learn from it. Defeats are part of winning, and you have to accept them because the team needs to be reminded of how good they are.”
Against United, the Gunners’ lead shrank again. After goalless draws against Nottingham Forest and FC Liverpool, the Gunners now only have a four-point lead over their closest pursuers, Manchester City and Aston Villa. For the first time, Arsenal lost after taking the lead.
“That’s part of football. Now we have to work harder than ever before. We are still top of the league,” said captain Martin Odegaard. Bukayo Saka also called for unity after the “bitter defeat.” “We will try to get back on track.”
Arsenal loses after taking the lead
An own goal by United defender Lisandro Martinez initially put the Gunners on course in front of their home crowd (29th). But Manchester responded through Bryan Mbeumo (37th) and a spectacular goal from Patrick Dorgu (50th). After Mikel Merino’s late equalizer (84.), Matheus Cunha (87.) had the last word.
With their second win in their second game under new coach Michael Carrick, the crisis-ridden Premier League giant jumps to fourth place.
“To come here and score three goals in that manner, to come back from being behind, then to deal with the setback and still keep fighting. That was a hugely important moment for us,” said Carrick.