Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal’s players were ‘distraught’ in the dressing room after their last-gasp defeat to Manchester United on Sunda...
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal’s players were ‘distraught’ in the dressing room after their last-gasp defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
In what could be his final game at Old Trafford, Wenger fielded a makeshift side which included 20-year-old debutant Konstantinos Mavropanos, Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Gunners went a goal down through Paul Pogba’s strike in the 15th minute but Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted an equaliser in the second half.
Wenger’s men appeared on course to secure a draw at Old Trafford before Marouane Fellaini scored in injury time to seal the win for United.
‘We had a very young team, and overall the performance was positive,’ said Wenger.
‘The players are distraught in the dressing room because they gave everything and were caught in the final minute of the game.
‘There were many question marks before the game – will we be strong enough to fight with Manchester United today?
‘I must say, the quality of our game was good, the spirit was good, individually many players stood up to what was requested.’
Wenger also believes his replacement would have been impressed by the performance of Arsenal’s inexperienced players at Old Trafford.
‘My successor will watch this game today,’ Wenger said. ‘Hopefully he will come to positive conclusions of the players.
‘Can they be part of the future for Arsenal Football Club? I think some of them have shown today, yes, 100 per cent.’
COMMENTS