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Premier League: Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta says defeat to Manchester United 'not fair'

Image: Mikel Arteta: Cannot explain defeat

Mikel Arteta says it is "not fair" that Arsenal lost to Manchester United despite dominating possession and restricting Louis van Gaal's side to two shots on target.

The Gunners captain was at a loss to explain how they contrived to lose 2-1 at the Emirates despite having 23 shots and 61% possession.

"I’m shocked," said Arteta. "I think we played our best game this season in terms of what we demand of ourselves – the quality in the way we attacked, how we won the ball back, how consistent we were throughout, the amount of chances we created.

When you are in the box and you can’t manage to score in that many situations, you can’t expect to win.
Mikel Arteta

"It’s not fair for the players and the fans. How can I explain the result? I can’t.

"I am shocked and frustrated because we did not deserve this result considering the opposition we were playing against.

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Henry Winter believes Arsenal are a fading force and it is time for Arsene Wenger to move on from the club.

"I can only put it down to bad luck on the first goal which totally changed the game, at a time when we were absolutely controlling and hammering United.

"After they took the lead we had to take more risks to try to get back into the game and United have the players up front to cause you problems at any time.

"But I feel so sorry for the lads and for our supporters because they were terrific and I don't think we deserved this result.

"It’s [a lack of] ruthlessness, for sure," he said. "When you are in the box and you can’t manage to score in that many situations, you can’t expect to win."

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