Mikel Arteta was clearly irritated as he abruptly exited his post-match interview following a 1-1 stalemate with Manchester United at Old Trafford, evidently ruffled by the line of questioning.
The draw saw Arsenal slip even further from Premier League frontrunner Liverpool, and Arteta’s frustration was palpable when he faced the press. He was harangued about Arsenal’s defensive setup prior to Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick goal, and questioned whether he could pardon his players for not overcoming an injury-ridden and subpar United team.
Arteta responded: “I will defend my players all the time because the will to win, there is no question about that. But in those moments, we have to be better as a team. That’s it.”
When Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison probed about regrets over not acquiring a new striker in January, Arteta retorted: “No, no. It’s not about that” – attempting to leave mid-interview.
Despite Davison’s effort to inquire one last question regarding the title race now being a distant 15 points away, Arteta snubbed the question and walked out, cutting the interview short in a notable display of discontent.
Arsenal’s hopes for the Premier League title seem to be fading after a match that saw Declan Rice’s strike neutralize Fernandes’ superbly executed free kick. The Gunners struggled to break down a United team currently stuck in the middle of the table.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Gunners entered the game riding high on confidence after their 7-1 demolition of PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie earlier in the week, but now Europe appears to be their only genuine shot at a trophy. Despite having a game in hand over Liverpool, the Reds are just 16 points shy of clinching the title.
Arne Slot’s players needs only five more victories and a draw to secure their first league title since 2020, even if Arsenal triumph in all its remaining matches.
“If Arsenal had the full team out and the three forwards – Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz – they would have taken at least seven points from the games against West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United instead of two,” said former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson on Sky Sports.
“But even that wouldn’t have been enough to catch Liverpool. We are just covering over the cracks. I don’t think they have been great this season. I don’t think they’ve been dominant as they have been in the last two season. They have fallen off a little bit in my opinion.”
United legend Gary Neville added: “He (Arteta) was agitated. He was agitated walking over to the Arsenal fans at the end. The biggest inquest will be, ‘Why did we not sign a striker?’ Did he (Arteta) not want one? You can’t kid football fans and they need a top-class striker.”
