Mikel Arteta outlines Arsenal's strategy and how Man City ruined their plans
Arsenal's Premier League title chances were dealt another blow on Wednesday night when they were defeated 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium by champions Manchester City.
After Arsenal's 4-1 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta justified his decision to remain with Rob Holding.
Holding joined Arsenal's defense a month ago after William Saliba sustained a back injury that could keep him out for the remainder of the season. Since then, the Gunners have struggled, surrendering 13 goals in six games and failing to keep a clean sheet.
There were cries for Holding to be benched for Wednesday's game, but Arteta stood firm. Erling Haaland, who scored his 33rd Premier League goal of the season and helped Kevin De Bruyne's brace, then tormented the Englishman.
Arteta believes that staying with Holding was the right move since he wanted to reward the defender's devotion. The 27-year-old Bolton academy graduate is in his sixth season with the Gunners, making him one of the club's longest-serving players.
Granit Xhaka returned from sickness to replace Arteta in the side that drew 3-3 with bottom club Southampton on Friday. "We wanted to tweak a few things, but they were able to execute and score an early goal," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reporters.
"You have to recognize where we're coming from, and we have to stay true to what has gotten us this far." We've done it in many ways in the past, but that doesn't guarantee anything. It's time to look in the mirror and see what we could have done better - I'll be the first - before moving on to the next game."
Arsenal are still two points ahead of City at the top of the Premier League, but their chances of winning the league are now slim. City has a game in hand on the leaders and has won 11 straight domestic games. They are now considered the favorites to complete a famous treble.
If City takes advantage of this rare opportunity, they will become only the second side in history to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in the same season. The most difficult challenge will be defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
If Pep Guardiola's team accomplishes this, they will meet either Inter Milan or AC Milan in the final in Istanbul. They'd be favorites to win that game, just like they are in the FA Cup final. On June 3, City will face Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
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