Spanish manager Mikel Arteta said Arsenal created the best chances but failed to convert them in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League. The loss cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to three points, with City holding a game in hand and five matches left in the season.
Rayan Cherki opened the scoring for City early in the first half. Kai Havertz equalized for Arsenal before Erling Haaland struck the winner in the second half. Arteta’s side recovered from the early setback and showed strong control, dominating large periods of the match and generating multiple clear opportunities against a City defense that rarely concedes.
Statistics from the game confirmed Arsenal produced the higher-quality chances overall. City’s clinical finishing in key moments proved the difference. The result leaves both clubs locked in a tight title race heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
“When you have so many open chances like we did against them, you have to put the ball in the back of the net and get away with the three points,” Arteta said.
Arteta added that his players are now “even more convinced” of winning the Premier League title.