Mikel Arteta was left with mixed emotions after watching his Arsenal side secure a point in their 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Arsenal boss expressed satisfaction with earning a result and delivering a solid performance at a ground where the hosts had suffered just one league defeat all season. However, after taking the lead through Ethan Nwaneri’s well-taken strike, the frustration of seeing the win slip away due to Joao Pedro’s second-half penalty was undeniable.
Mikel Arteta believes the half-time departure of 17-year-old goalscorer Ethan Nwaneri impacted Arsenal’s performance. However, he remained pleased with the work rate and commitment shown by his players, who fought until the final whistle, even if their efforts ultimately fell short.
“I’m always disappointed when you don’t win the game, but it’s a really tough place to come, they’re a good side,” Mikel said. “We started the game well and we controlled it in many ways without really being too present with the ball, but scoring a beautiful goal and not conceding anything at all.
“Then in the second half, we had to make the change with Ethan because he was injured, adapt a few things, and then we didn’t sustain the level with the ball especially, a lot of the simple things we have to do better we didn’t.
“It allowed us to have certain dominance, momentum and playing in the right areas, and the game was open without really conceding much apart from the chance with Minteh, which is disappointing, and then the decision comes that obviously changes the course of the game and it’s really frustrating.”
Mikel Arteta had to make another defensive adjustment, moving Thomas Partey into the backline to fill in for the suspended Jurrien Timber. Despite the frequent changes in the defensive setup, Arsenal’s backline delivered a solid performance, leaving David Raya with little to do for most of the game.
The manager was pleased with the unwavering effort of his squad, who remain in contention for silverware on four fronts. With a massive opportunity to reach a final looming as Newcastle United visit the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, he is hopeful Arsenal can respond in style.
Speaking on Arsenal’s defensive solidity, he added: “That shows the attitude, the commitment of the defensive habits and how we apply them. I was phenomenal again – it wasn’t enough to win it and with the ball today, we lacked something, I understand, because we miss very important players that are key in our fluidity – it’s disappointing because we need to win the games.
“We’re playing every three days in different competitions and we’re having to deal with a lot of issues with the squad, but the boys really want it.
“We carry on going and on Tuesday we have a beautiful game, a semi-final, a beautiful game in front of our people, so bring the energy back and go for it.”
