Mikel Arteta rues missed chances after Arsenal’s goalless Premier League draw with Manchester United

Gunners are now unbeaten in seven top-flight games but were frustrated by Saturday’s result

Alex Pattle
Sunday 31 January 2021 05:01 EST
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(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Mikel Arteta has acknowledged his Arsenal side’s lack of a clinical edge in their goalless Premier League draw with Manchester United.

Second-placed Man United slipped further behind rivals and leaders Man City in failing to earn a win at Arsenal on Saturday, but the Gunners were also left frustrated by the result, according to head coach Arteta.

“I thought it was a great game between two big teams that wanted to win,” the Spaniard told Arsenal’s official club website.

READ MORE: Premier League table and fixtures – all games by date and kick-off time

“I think it’s a fair result at the end, because they had some moments in the first half and we had some big moments in the second half where we should’ve scored at least one goal. 

“We didn’t and because of that it’s impossible to win the game. So at least we took the draw.”

Martin Odegaard made his Arsenal debut in midfield as he came on in the final 10 minutes, just days after his arrival on loan from Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old replaced Emile Smith Rowe, while Willian came on for Gabriel Martinelli at half-time and Eddie Nketiah replaced Alexandre Lacazette in the final moments of the game.

"[I was pleased with] the way we controlled some big parts of the game when we changed tactically in the second half and we became much more like us,” Arteta said.

“We were really aggressive, we won the ball really early and in really good areas. But the goal was missing and that’s the difference in really big games.”

Club captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang missed the game as he adhered to coronavirus guidelines, having spent most of the week dealing with a personal matter.

The result, which means Arsenal are now unbeaten in seven top-flight games, leaves the north London club ninth in the Premier League on 31 points, while Man United sit second on 41 points – three behind Man City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal visit Wolves next time out, while Man United host Southampton – also on Tuesday evening.

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