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January 12, 2025 at 11:16 PM

Arteta: We Did Everything to Win, But It Didn't Happen

Mikel Arteta shares his thoughts after Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, highlighting their efforts and areas for improvement.

Arteta: We Did Everything to Win, But It Didn't Happen

Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the third round of the FA Cup, falling to Manchester United after a dramatic penalty shootout ended 5-3. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Arsenal couldn’t capitalize, leaving manager Mikel Arteta disappointed yet reflective on the team's performance.

"We did everything we could to win," Arteta stated during his post-match interview. "The players gave it their all for 120 minutes, dominating the game, but football can be unforgiving. It's painful because we deserved more."

The match saw Kai Havertz underperform, missing critical chances and failing to convert his penalty during the shootout. Addressing Havertz's struggles, Arteta said, "Kai is a committed player, and I fully back him. These moments happen in football. What matters is his resilience and the way he bounces back in the upcoming games."

A significant moment in the match was the injury to Gabriel Jesus, who had to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the first half. Arteta expressed his concern, saying, "It's worrying to lose a player of Gabriel's caliber. We'll have to wait for the medical team’s assessment, but I hope it’s nothing serious."

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Manchester United, FA Cup, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa - SUP Football

When asked about Arsenal's transfer plans, Arteta acknowledged the need for reinforcements, stating, "We’re aware of the areas we need to strengthen. The squad requires depth, not just in attack but across several positions. These are decisions we’ll address in the coming weeks."

The manager also touched upon the team's upcoming fixtures, which include challenging matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. "We face a tough schedule ahead. Recovering from this emotional loss will be crucial as we prepare for two of the strongest teams in the league," Arteta remarked.

Arteta concluded by emphasizing the team's unity and determination to move forward, stating, "Our focus now is to learn from this and come back stronger. The support of our fans remains vital, and we will fight for better results."