Mikel Arteta: We just have to give credit to Man United – my players weren’t nervous
Mikel Arteta says his team were undone by two incredible goals.
He acknowledged that their standards dropped, but is not worried longer-term about that and did not feel they shied away from the occasion.
He told Sky Sports: ‘I have to congratulate Man United. It happened in a strange way. We were very dominant in the first half four, then we gave them the goal. That shifted the momentum and energy. After that we dropped the standard. They had two magic moments – credit to them.
‘We carried that nagetivity and lack of fluidity. We made changes, scored 2-2, and you could feel game on. One ball, one pass, and Cunha changes the momentum again. A really painful one but now is the time to be very close to the players who have given us so much joy and performances and support them.
‘With the ball, every time we regained it [we weren’t good enough].
‘They are dangerous and we knew that.
‘When we draw or we don’t win, that’s the moment we have to show unity and togetherness [as a fanbase].’
Did nerves play a factor? ‘I wouldn’t choose that word. We played at Stamford Bridge in the semi-final and were brilliant against Inter. Look at the goals. You have to give credit to the opponent.
Did Dorgu commit a handball before his goal? ‘I haven’t looked at it. It’s fine, it’s gone, nothing we can do about it.’
