Mikel Arteta reacts as Southampton breaks Arsenal 8-match unbeaten run

Mikel Arteta reacts as Southampton breaks Arsenal 8-match unbeaten run

Arsenal for the second time in the season dropped points as Southampton held the league leader to a 1-1 draw, leaving Arteta and his boys frustrated.

Granit Xhaka’s second goal in four days following his Europa League winner against PSV Eindhoven had earlier set the in-form Gunners on course for a 10th win from 11 top-flight games before an improved saints struck the equalizer through Stuart Armstrong.

Speaking after the game, a bittered Arteta rued many unconverted chances created by his boys in the game.

“I have a feeling that we lost two points, especially with the way we started the game and the chances we had,” Arteta told Arsenal.com at full-time. “When you look back at the chances, we should have come out on top.

“But we have to blame ourselves. I think the way we played in the first half and in the second half was very different, especially what we did in ball possession. We should have more courage, more consistency and be more reliable in ball possession and dominate the game better when we have total control of it.

“Today we should have won the game and sustained our level, which we haven’t done in the second half – and that we have to raise the level again.

Arteta noted that the amount of games being played can though be demanding, he expressed the need for a constant reminder to keep improving.

“There are positives – if you can’t win, don’t lose it. Coming to any ground in the Premier League with the amount of games we are playing is very difficult – but we have to demand from ourselves to be better.” he concluded.

The draw, which leaves the Gunners with just two points difference above Manchester City was their first in 32 fixtures in all competitions, dating back to a goalless draw against Burnley in January.