Mikel Arteta discussed a range of topics in his press conference following our 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.
Nathan Ake grabbed the only goal of the game on 64 minutes to seal City's place in the fifth round, but it was a resolute display after we made six changes to the side that beat Manchester United last weekend.
Our manager was asked about subjects including his thoughts on the match, our approach and the latest injury news - read on for how he answered.
on if he feels pride or disappointment:
At the moment, it’s disappointment because we are out and we could have taken much more from that game and we didn’t. The feeling that I have is we really competed against them and made it difficult for them, but we lacked something to win against a team like this.
on if Partey’s half-time substitution was injury-related:
Yeah, he felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue.
on if he’s concerned the team didn’t take their chances:
We have taken big chances in matches this season - that’s why we have beaten a lot of the big teams. Unfortunately today that wasn’t [the case] and we didn’t defend the action well enough in the box when Are scored. The full-back puts the ball in the corner with his right foot, so there’s not that much that you can do - but it’s not only that, it’s the composure, especially in the second half when we had momentum. We had three or four big openings and we have to be more ruthless to put the ball in the net.
on Guardiola being surprised at our man-on-man marking - and if Arteta will play the same way in the league game:
I think it will be a very different match from both sides, probably with different personnel as well. That’s it - we tried to compete here and win today. We came here to win the game and unfortunately, we haven’t. The next match will hopefully be different.
on if the man-to-man approach was because of the changes made to the team - and if he’ll do that in the league:
I have a lot of time to think about and prepare for that game - the same that Pep will have. We’ll review the match and try to do what is best for us, to nullify and create issues for opponents, like we always do.
on rumours linking us with Moises Caicedo:
You know that I’m not going to comment on any players until anything is done. I will continue like that - sorry.
on if he hopes to be busy before the end of the transfer window:
As I said before, we’ve been pretty active in the market. We have some necessities and if something else is available, the club is willing to try to do it when it’s reasonable. Hopefully [that would be] a player that can improve our squad.
on if Partey got a knock to the ribs:
He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse. He could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.
on an initial prognosis on Partey:
Tomorrow or the day after we’ll have to have an MRI scan and see what he has.
on if Partey coming off with a knock reinforces the need to strengthen the squad:
Well, at the moment we’ve had the injury of Mo [Elneny] - it’s been impossible to get him fit. Sambi’s come in and I think he’s done well. That’s why we have players. It’s true that Thomas is a big influence. a big personality and an important player in our squad. In the second half, we didn’t have him.
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