Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Manchester United produced “two magic moments” to seal a 3–2 victory over his side on Sunday, ending the Gunners’ unbeaten run at the Emirates Stadium.
United claimed all three points thanks to a late winner from Matheus Cunha, moments after Mikel Merino had appeared to rescue a point for Arsenal.
Earlier in the match, goals from Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo had put United in control after Arsenal initially went ahead through a Lisandro Martínez own goal.
Reflecting on the defeat, Arteta told Sky Sports that his side dominated the early stages but failed to maintain their level.
“We were really dominant in the first 30 minutes and we scored, then we gave them the goal and that transformed the momentum and energy,” Arteta said.
“After that we dropped the standard with the ball, then they had two magic moments with the goals they scored, and in big games you need these moments.”
The Arsenal boss admitted the late nature of the defeat made it particularly painful.
“We were carrying that negativity but when we got it to 2–2, you feel ‘game on’. But then one long ball, one pass, and Cunha scores, so it’s a very painful one,” he added.
The loss marks a setback for Arsenal as they look to maintain consistency in the title race, while United will take confidence from a dramatic away victory.
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