Football

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal have to move on from Man City defeat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for his players to brush off last Wednesday’s defeat at Manchester City, ahead of the final five games of the Premier League season.

City’s 2-1 win away at Fulham on Sunday meant they climbed above the Gunners for the first time since February with a game in hand on their title rivals. Arteta said he has been pleased with the reaction since the match at the Etihad, but has urged his players to continuing looking forward.

“They didn’t need much, they knew,” the Spaniard said. “The disappointment was across the club, everybody, our supporters, our people, our staff, our players.

“It was a big night and we didn’t produce the performance that we wanted and we deserved to lose the game and we have to move on.

“I think it was a good reality check I think as well in the way they step up the level we couldn’t reach that level but the reality check that you have to step to that level for ten months.

“It is difficult but in sport you have to accept the reality and when a team is able to take the game to a different level and you’re not able to step to that you have to recognise there is still work to do.

“Don’t get confused and be very humble and recognise what our strengths are and what our weaknesses are to be better.”

Despite defeat, Arsenal have confirmed Champions League football for the first time in six years, and although delighted with a return to Europe’s premier club competition, the 41-year-old is still looking for more.

“I am incredibly proud and thankful for what everyone has contributed to bring Champions League football back to this football club with five, six games to go, something that hasn’t happened in over a decade in this club.

“So congratulations and thank you so much for everyone who has contributed to that and thank you for still being upset and not accepting that Champions League is not enough and we want more.”

Arsenal will be without star defender William Saliba once again, with the Frenchman’s injury still not improving.

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