Sports

Mikel Arteta slams ‘unacceptable’ Arsenal defending after Crystal Palace draw


Mikel Arteta was disappointed with Arsenal’s defending during their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

 

Mikel Arteta admitted he was bitterly disappointed with Arsenal’s ‘unacceptable’ defending which led to Jordan Ayew’s equalising goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had fired the visitors into a deserved early lead after he provided a fitting end to a slick 19-pass move, but the Gunners failed to build on their early dominance.

Palace upped the tempo after the break and Arsenal struggled to cope minus the presence of Lucas Torreira whose combative presence was missed after he failed to re-emerge for the second half.

Roy Hodsgon’s drive subsequently drew level when Cheikhou Kouyate pounced on a loose ball in the box following a quick free kick and fed Ayew who found the back of the net via a wicked deflection off David Luiz.

Although Arteta was encouraged by a spirited response to Aubameyang’s 67th minute red card, the Arsenal manager admitted he was upset with the way his side allowed the Eagles a route back into the game.

Jordan Ayew’s deflected effort helped earn Crystal Palace a draw against Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

He said: ‘I think first 35 mins is exactly what I want from our Arsenal team to play like.

‘We controlled the game, we were very dominant, we were in the right positions, we created chances, we were so good in transition.

‘We were aggressive after that. We had a 10 minute spell where we started to give some free kicks away and obviously they put more people in the box and it was more stop and start.

‘But I was really pleased with the first half then the first 10 or 15 minutes of the second half again credit to them as well they started to push and we had more difficulties.

‘We conceded a goal where we completely switched off and that is unacceptable and I am really upset with that.

‘But after that I think we reacted very well after conceding the goal and after Auba’s red card.’

MORE: Arsenal equal unwanted record after disappointing Crystal Palace draw

MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to miss Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea after red card in Crystal Palace draw





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.