Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, predicts that more “mistakes” will be made after a David Raya error cost the Gunners against Lens in the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus’ superb goal gave the Gunners the lead in France, but goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi gave the north Londoners their first loss of the season. The equalizer was mostly the goalkeeper’s fault after his shoddy clearance was picked off.
While refusing to assign blame to the former Brentford player, Arteta speculates that Raya’s club may make more errors throughout the course of the season due to the manner they play.
The Arsenal manager admitted defeat to TNT Sport, saying: “This happens. In football, mistakes are inevitable. They’ll still be there in some way.
“The difference was in both boxes, but particularly in the Champions League, where you don’t create ten clear-cut opportunities. You need to score and defend the box better than we did when you get there.
He persisted in criticizing his team’s play after being unimpressed with both their goal-scoring and defensive play. “Congratulations to Lens,” he continued. They are a tremendously talented team with a great atmosphere, and they are a really challenging opponent. In order to score the opening goal, we made the hardest possible decision. They scored a goal in one play while we were in control of the game, restarting it.
“We had a big opportunity right away with Leo [Trossard] after the half. 2 or 3 significant chances. It’s true that, unlike many other times, we didn’t create enough threat in the final third.
“We refrained from attacking specific areas and inciting activities that are bad for them. However, it was in the boxes in the PSV game. We had excellent opportunities to win the game, but we fell short.
While Arteta’s complaints over the loss continue, Bukayo Saka’s injury will be a source of concern for the Spaniard. The winger had been substituted in each of the previous two Premier League contests, but against Lens, he did not even make it to halftime.
After the game, Arteta provided an update on his health. He said, “It was an action. “He felt a certain feeling while backheeling. Nothing else was it. He obviously didn’t feel comfortable continuing.
