Arteta Tampik Is Less Ambitious When Fighting Manchester City: We Dominate

Mikel Arteta defended the starter's election against Manchester City (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta defended his starter's choice in Arsenal's 1-1 run against Manchester City. He said his team dominated full of matches despite failing to score three points after setting a record possession against Pep Guardiola's side.

Arsenal are now five points behind leaders Liverpool after Gabriel Martinelli's equalizer in injury time sealed a draw at Emirates, following Erling Haaland's opener in the ninth minute for Manchester City.

Arteta's team was so dominant that they recorded 67.2 percent possession for 90 minutes - the highest ever recorded against Guardiola's side.

However, after fielding Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Martinelli off the bench, Arteta dismissed the notion that the main line-up was less ambitious.

"I leave the decision to you. However, there are a lot of attacking players in the team. It's easy to say that (we lack ambition)."

"However, we started the game very well and completely dominated. Manchester City scored and then did nothing."

"Everyone is trying to do their best to get results, that doesn't matter. However, we control the game and dominate. The second half is the same."

"I am very proud of the players and my team, but very disappointed with the result. The pride I feel is that we dominate the game."

"One chance for Manchester City is a corner kick, the other is a counterattack, and the other is a golden opportunity. That's all."

"So that Manchester City can only do that, give hats to the players," said Arteta after the match.

Striker Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's signing this summer from Sporting CP for 63.5 million, missed a shot against Manchester City.

Even so, Arteta said it was because his team was unable to find a key bait for the Swedish player.

"There are a lot of really good balls in the penalty box. He (Gyokers) is very close to those balls. Against Manchester City, it's very difficult to get a clean chance."

"There were a lot of situations, chances were there, but his last pass missed," said Arteta.

Even though Arsenal are five points behind Liverpool--Arsenal have lost 0-1 at Anfield this season--Arteta believes his players will be fine in the race for the title.

"We can't control that. They (Liverpool) win every game. It will be very difficult."

"If we play at this level, like we did against Manchester City, we'll be fine," said the Spaniard.