Arteta Breaks Silence: Why Manchester City’s Draw Left Him Frustrated Yet Unyielding on Team Choices

Arsenal’s latest clash with Manchester City left a bittersweet aftertaste, to say the least. Mikel Arteta, ever the passionate tactician, wore his disappointment plainly after his side eked out just a solitary point against their formidable rivals. Yet, beneath the frustration, there was a fierce pride in how his players battled back, especially with that electrifying late equalizer from Gabriel Martinelli, who kept the Gunners’ hopes alive despite a first-half goal from Erling Haaland. Arteta’s gamble on deploying three central defensive midfielders sparked debate, conceding City too much early control, but the halftime shake-up—featuring the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze—shifted the momentum, proving the coach’s knack for adaptation. It’s a complex dance of strategy, emotion, and sheer will; while the result fell short of victory, the spirited performance showed Arsenal’s mettle amid a dogged Premier League race. LEARN MORE

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admits he is disappointed to see his side take just a single point against title rivals Manchester City.

But the Spaniard made a point to claim he is proud of his players regardless of the result that saw the Gunners lose ground to early pace setters Liverpool.

Erling Haaland put City ahead in the first half, racing away from William Saliba and slotting past David Raya, before Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to ensure the points were spoiled.

Arteta was criticised for his team selection ahead of the game, deploying three central defensive midfielders that handed City the initiative.

But changes at half-time that included Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze turned the tide, with Arsenal eventually getting the poitn they deserved.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “Regardless of the result I will say the same thing. I am extremely proud of the team and the players for the way we played and dominated this game against this Man City. From my side as a coach that requires compliments from my side as a coach.

“After that, very disappointed with the result. It is true that scoring at the end gives you a bit of emotion, a bit of a taste, but then I think the first thought for me was to win the game.”

“Everybody will analyse the game in a different way. I think we did a lot of very good things very, very well in order to get the game to that state. From obviously every coach has to do the best thing to win the game.”