Mikel Arteta claims his side missed “three or four” chances in the “disappointing” 1-1 draw at Southampton
Released: 1:00 p.m. EDT, October 23, 2022 | Updated: 1:10 p.m. EDT, Oct. 23, 2022
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have learned a painful lesson from Southampton, who fought back on Sunday to take two points from Premier League leaders.
Arsenal led for almost an hour through Granit Xhaka’s early goal and could have ended the game by half-time.
But the visitors were guilty of missing out on several golden chances, with Gabriel Jesus being particularly wasteful at St Mary’s.
Mikel Arteta lamented his side’s missed chances in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton
Southampton moved in the second half and Stuart Armstrong equalized with 25 minutes left.
“I’m frustrated,” Arteta said. “We couldn’t put the ball in the net… in the Premier League, one goal is never enough.”
Arsenal drew for the first time this season
He added: “We had three or four good chances and should have scored more goals. We needed two or three goals, but we only scored one.
“It’s disappointing. We had enough chances but couldn’t put the ball away. It’s a lesson because we wanted to win again.’
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side have now taken five points from three games to move three points clear of the relegation zone and the manager was pleased with his side’s reaction after the break.
“We didn’t waste any chances in the second half and took advantage of our chances by counterattacking,” he said.
“The goal was brilliant. We try to be brave with the ball. It didn’t always work, sometimes it doesn’t work against such top teams, but we tried all the time and it was good to see.’
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka scored for the second time in three days to give Arsenal the lead
Southampton had Gavin Bazunu to thank in the first half. The keeper made several key saves, including one from Jesus, who has now gone five games without a goal.
“I’m sure he’ll be disappointed today because he had the chance to put it away,” said Arteta.
“Knowing Gabi he’s disappointed when he scores two goals and could have scored three or four for him to be able to do that. But he has the chances and he’s always there. He gives so much to the team and it’s a shame he couldn’t put it down today.
With less than half an hour to play, Stuart Armstrong’s finish thwarted the visitors’ opener
Spain coach Arteta believes his side need to score “two or three goals” in the game
The striker himself said: “When we scored the goal we continued our game and created chances – I had a couple of chances.
“I think we can raise the level again, as a team and as individuals. We have to concentrate more, more off the ball.
“We’re going home today a little upset because we played like that. We should have scored more goals and then we’ll win the game.”
Gabriel Jesus (centre) urged his side to raise the level both as a “team and as an individual”.
