The Gunners have slipped to eighth place on Sunday’s backhand and now face an uphill struggle to secure a place in the Europa League for 2020-1
Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide her frustration after seeing Arsenal throw away a winning position to stay further behind in the race for a place in Europe next season.
A victory for the Gunners in the London derby in North London would have restored them to a point from seventh place for Sheffield United, who had beaten Chelsea 3-0 the previous day to reinforce their claim to the final place in Europe League.
But despite going on through Alexandre Lacazette’s brilliant long-range attack, visitors could only see while Tottenham got an instant draw through Son Heung-Min before Toby Alderweireld secured the victory with a late header .
That defeat means Arsenal is now languishing in eight positions in the Premier League standings, leaving Arteta on the rue a missed opportunity to catch up on their opponents.
“I am disappointed, frustrated and sorry for the boys, because the way they played today and the personality they showed today, to come to this field and show who we are, to undo their opponents and press them high, forcing them to kick the long ball and defend in a low block, “the manager told reporters after the game.
“This is exactly what we wanted to do. But of course, if you give the two goals we have scored against these players, it is very difficult to win a derby.
“As for the points, it’s a big blow because we know the results this weekend. But we will keep trying while we have some hope. This is what we are at the moment and we will fight in two different ways: one is the championship and the other it’s the FA Cup – do our best to finish as strong as possible. “
His son’s draw was the result of a terrible mistake on the back between Sead Kolasinac and David Luiz, while the Arsenal marking on the corner that gave Spurs all three points was far from impeccable.
Arteta recognized that his accusations had to reduce errors if they wanted to fight high, praising their efforts to win everywhere.
“If we minimize the mistakes we make and keep playing like this, we will win many, many, many football games. Because it will make the opponent really difficult. I’m sure of that.,” He added.
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“But these two aspects, one must be maintained and the other must be avoided and it is upon us. They believe in what we are doing.
“You can see how they are feeling and how they are going. It is a shame because if you can win so well on such a large ground, on a stage as big as today, it gives you great conviction. I am destroyed. they really tried. “
Arsenal returned to action on Wednesday when they host the Premier League champions Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
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