Arteta’s Telling Response About Arsenal’s Title Race Chances
Mikel Arteta gave a revealing response to a press conference question about the title race after Arsenal dropped crucial points against Manchester United. With just 10 games remaining in their league campaign, the Gunners find themselves trailing 15 points behind Liverpool following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Declan Rice managed to equalize after Bruno Fernandes’ opening goal with an excellent 74th-minute strike. Despite dominating early in the match, Arsenal struggled as the game progressed and were fortunate not to leave empty-handed.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, a visibly frustrated Arteta lamented his team’s missed opportunities:
“When we had the first half that we had where we were exceptional, we didn’t test the keeper. We had some unbelievable situations, but we didn’t get the last shot or the last pass. We didn’t capitalise, we rushed the game.”
The tension reached a breaking point when Arteta actually walked out during his interview with reporter Patrick Davison after refusing to address a question about Arsenal’s championship aspirations.
The Critical Question and Arteta’s Revealing Answer
Later, during the press conference, a reporter pressed Arteta again with the question: “I know you’ll always fight to the end but deep down, do you feel the title race is over?”
This time, Arteta provided a more measured but telling response:
“I don’t want to say that but today the frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and you’re obligated to win every single match. You won’t have any chance without doing that. I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”
His careful wording suggests a manager who understands the mathematical reality facing his team in the Premier League standings, while still maintaining a professional stance of determination.
The Arsenal manager also addressed one of the match’s controversial moments – Manchester United’s free-kick goal. Broadcast technology revealed that referee Anthony Taylor had positioned Arsenal’s defensive wall 11.2 yards away – beyond the minimum required 10-yard distance.
Arteta commented: “He’s been smart and he took advantage, that is football. He’s been smarter than the ref. That’s OK, they allowed him to do it.”
Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen later explained the significance of that extra distance:
- The additional space reduces the height needed to clear the wall
- It creates more room for the ball to dip back down
- The wall’s positioning significantly impacts free-kick strategy
“It makes a very big difference,” Eriksen told Sky Sports. “When the ball is over the wall you don’t need to hit it as high… So it’s easier and it gives Bruno a bit more space to put it over the wall.”
The draw represents a significant setback for Arsenal’s championship hopes, with Liverpool continuing their commanding lead at the top of the table. While Arteta remains publicly committed to fighting until the mathematical possibility is gone, his reluctance to directly address title chances speaks volumes about Arsenal’s current position.
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