Arsenal press conference LIVE: Mikel Arteta on Trossard red, defensive display and City blow
Mikle Arteta is set to face the press after Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The game got off to an awful start for the Gunners who were behind when Erling Haaland ran straight through the heart of the defence to poke beyond David Raya. Ilkay Gundogan then struck the post with a free kick and it looked as though Arsenal were in for a long afternoon.
They began to find their feet though and equalised through a stunning strike from the edge of the box by Riccardo Calafiori after a quickly taken free kick.
As the first half ticked in to stoppage time, Gabriel then rose highest to score from a Bukayo Saka corner for a second consecutive game.
Arsenal appeared to be in control, but with seconds remaining in the half Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.
That set up a second half almost entirely of attack vs defence. The Gunners looked like they had done enough to hold out for a famous three points, but with seconds to go John Stones poked home the devastating equaliser.
Arteta on if Arsenal would have won if it had stayed 11vs11
I have no clue. We would try for sure. After in the second we tried. What I can say is 99 times out of 100 if you play against that team with 10 men, you lose.
Arteta on Calafiori
He was great. To have the debut in this context chapeau. He’s got so much character. Really impressed with that.
Arteta on the red
I prefer not to comment. I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s that obvious that it’s not necessary to comment on it. I’m expecting 100 games to be nine vs 10 this season if that’s the case.
Arteta on the game
We had a very difficult start. We struggled to control certain spaces we didn’t have enough ability. We adapted to that context in that best possible way. I’m so proud of them. You cannot be given a more difficult situation against that opponent and I’m so proud of my team.
Arteta on City
They are probably the best in the world.
Pep on the challenge Arsenal present
They are the biggest contender in the last two years. They are exceptional and we know it. They are able to do many, many good things.
Pep on the game
Many things happened in the second three or four. We had the passion to fight like in the last two years against the team who want to steal our Premier League. Calafiori made an exceptional goal. We have to defend the second goal but give credit to them. Gabriel is so strong. They block players in the first post so because it happens every game you have to give credit for them. After the red give credit to Arsenal because they were really, really good. We were smart to make the game slowly and not concede fouls. That was good because the game continued and continued.
