Mikel Arteta expressed his profound frustration and disappointment following his side surrendered a late equaliser versus Sunderland in their stadium. A 94th-minute strike from replacement Brian Brobbey secured a point for the home side, who currently sit fourth in the table.
“It feels terrible,” Arteta stated. “It’s disappointment and frustration, since we were aiming for the full points. We faced a difficult game. We knew that. [They were] very disruptive. We had to deal with situations that were obviously hard to manage.”
Former Gunners youth player Ballard had scored first in a first half that seemingly unsettled the visitors. Questioned about his reaction when the team’s record-breaking streak without conceding was broken, Arteta replied: “It hurts, because I don’t want to concede any goals.” The team improved after the break and took the lead via goals from Saka and Trossard.
Manager's View of First Goal Conceded
Arteta commented on the first goal: “We let in a score that was not in our standards, but after that, the team reacted really well, showed a lot of character and bravery. Got the first goal, scored the second goal, and we totally dominated the match.
“You have to rely on defending the box when they push forward six, seven players in the box. It can be from a long ball, a throw, or any situation. We can defend the action better. And in this match we didn’t manage it, we have conceded a goal.”
Late Drama and Lost Opportunity
Even after Brobbey’s equaliser, the defender needed to stop a Merino attempt. Arteta added: “At the death, we had one more big opportunity to win, which I think we deserved.”
Opposition Manager Praises Team’s Character
Régis Le Bris commended the “spirit” of his squad, whose motto in last season’s successful run in the Championship playoffs was: “Until the final whistle”.
“It shows that the team has a really strong character,” said Le Bris. “It’s always difficult against a team like Arsenal, among the top clubs in Europe, so you have to do a masterclass, or else it’s impossible to win something.
“I think the first half was well balanced, we aimed to press high when we could, organised a deep block, very tight, focused, intense, and we had the chance to possess the ball at times.
“The latter period was a little harder, because you defend for long periods, and then must remain calm with the ball, and we possess a very youthful team, inexperienced athletes without great experience in the Premier League, so it’s a good lesson.
“Believe we were just on the edge after the 2-1, and Arsenal were in control, and they were able to keep the ball. But with the energy of the stadium, in my opinion the characteristics of our players, and the background we have now, it seems it’s very encouraging for this faith, and this belief, that we can change the dynamic.”
