Mikel Arteta hailed the away fans for their support during our 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Despite the result, the 3,000 Arsenal fans at the Etihad continually backed the team and our manager was keen to highlight their impact.
"I have to say thank you to the 3,000 fans that came here today because on a difficult day like this to give the support that they have, and I’m not just talking about to the players, I think it’s to the club, it’s outstanding and I think the players went there [at the end] because they really felt the same as I do," Arteta told Arsenal Media.
"I think we started the game really well and the first time that they came into our box we defended really poorly with the cross and the header and we are 1-0 down. In a few minutes we concede the second one and I think it’s a clear foul on Calum, he punches him in the face and the goal is allowed and then after 35 minutes at 2-0, you have to play with 10 men for 60 minutes. That’s a big ask.
"When you are 3-0 down and with 10 men against this kind of opposition having the extra player, you’re going to find it so difficult to keep the ball at any moment because they’re going to go man to man, and mentally as well after two difficult starts in the season, coming here and starting and competing well and then going down to 10 men is mentally really demanding, so we have to manage the game as best as we could. We conceded another two goals and I’m really disappointed."
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