Mikel Arteta remained defiant after Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, insisting the title race is far from over despite the setback at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners boss saw his side deliver a strong performance, only to be undone by fine margins in both penalty areas. Despite an early blow, Arsenal pushed the champions to the limit, leaving Arteta more convinced than ever of his team’s credentials.
“We came here to win the game,” Arteta said. “I think the message was clear from three days before.
“We prepared to take the game to the areas that we believe we could win it, and we certainly done that. Even though we started the game a goal down, we proved that we are there.”
The result leaves Arsenal three points clear at the top, though City hold a crucial game in hand. Arteta revealed that the mood in the dressing room was one of frustration mixed with immediate refocus on the final five fixtures of the season.
Arteta added: “It is a new league now. They have a game in hand, we have three points of advantage and five games to play. Everything is still to play for. We know how much we want it, and we’re not going to stop. We’re going to go again, that’s for sure.”
When asked if he faced a challenge to pick his players up after the loss, the Spaniard dismissed the notion. “If I have to pick the players up to win the Premier League with five games to go in our hands, I think I should be at home,” he said. “It’s not needed. It’s never been needed even in difficult moments.”
The difference on the day, according to Arteta, came down to ruthlessness in front of goal rather than a tactical disparity. Arsenal hit the post during a dominant spell, but failed to find the clinical edge required to leave with a result.
“The reality is, in the two boxes today was a difference,” Arteta admitted.
“I just look at the image; it is incredible how the ball doesn’t go in. There is an element of luck, timing, and execution.
“They didn’t go our way, and we have to recognise that winning and not winning is going to come down to these moments.”