Mikel Arteta expresses disappointment over the team’s lack of composure as Arsenal’s chances of winning the title nearly come to an end with a draw against Manchester United.

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In a gripping encounter at Old Trafford, Arsenal’s title aspirations took a significant hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Mikel Arteta’s side, who dominated the first half, found themselves trailing at the break after Bruno Fernandes’ expertly taken free-kick found the back of the net.

Despite their early control, the Gunners were unable to convert their chances, and it was Fernandes who struck just before half-time, leaving Arsenal with a mountain to climb. Declan Rice, however, provided a glimmer of hope with a stunning equaliser in the 74th minute. Yet, neither side could find the decisive goal, resulting in Arsenal’s tenth draw of the season.

The draw leaves Arsenal languishing 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, having dropped seven points in their last three outings. Arteta reflected on the match, expressing frustration at his team’s inability to maintain composure in the final third.

“In the second half, we tried, we scored the goal, and when they were really deep and had a lot of problems, you could see they were tired,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We didn’t capitalise because we rushed the game. We gave away too many balls, lost duels, and could have ended up losing.”

The Spaniard lamented the missed opportunities, stating, “We had three or four big chances, but it’s frustrating how we conceded during certain transition moments. That’s simply not good enough.”

Arsenal’s ongoing injury crisis has been a recurring theme this season, and it was evident once again at Old Trafford. Despite their dominance in the first half, they failed to trouble United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, until Rice’s equaliser. The manner in which they conceded the first goal was particularly galling, with the wall set up incorrectly, allowing Fernandes to exploit the situation.

“Fernandes has been smart and took advantage; that is football,” Arteta added. “He was smarter than the referee, and that’s okay; they allowed him to do it.”

As the second half unfolded, Arsenal pushed for a winner, but it was goalkeeper David Raya who kept them in the game with a series of remarkable saves, denying Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee, and Fernandes in the dying moments.

“You are so good in the first half, you do so many good things, and then you go one nil down. Mentally, it’s painful,” Arteta continued. “We opened the gate to lose the game, and it was completely closed. There was no chance we could lose, and we opened it up ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, faced criticism for his tactical approach but acknowledged the need for adaptation against a formidable Arsenal side.

“We did well,” Amorim stated. “Of course, we don’t want to play like this, defending so much and giving the ball to the opponent. But with all the games and the characteristics of the players, we tried to adapt and imagine the game we could win, and we proved that today.”

Amorim praised Alejandro Garnacho for his performance, highlighting the young talent’s significant contribution to the team’s defensive efforts. “He was upset last Thursday, but today he was amazing,” he concluded.

As the season progresses, both Arsenal and Manchester United will need to reassess their strategies if they hope to secure their places in the Champions League next season.