Mikel Arteta believes we generated enough chances to beat Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as he reflected on our second consecutive goalless draw in the Premier League.
It’s the first time since 2012/13 that we have recorded back-to-back 0-0 draws in the league, and the boss said it was ‘difficult to generate momentum’ during the game.
“We came here to win the game, that's clear, and we needed the opportunities that we had,” he said at full time.
“We haven't managed that, so the word is disappointment. We haven't conceded anything, any single shot again and generated four massive chances with Martinelli with an open goal, with Declan Rice, Merino and then Bukayo Saka's header with an unbelievable save, and on top of that, a very clear penalty as well that has not been given.
“So after that, it’s pretty difficult for us because it's a team that is very well organised and very difficult to generate a lot of momentum throughout the game, so yeah disappointing.”
The penalty appeal was for an apparent handball against Ola Aina late on, that VAR reviewed, but Mikel admitted his main frustration was with the squandered chances.
“Yes, but you need that, especially to open them up, especially the way that they played,” the boss added. “We tried in many ways, we made changes, we tried to have more people in the last line, to have very creative players in and around the box and when you get into those moments, you have to make it happen if you want to win and we didn’t manage to get it done.”
The game was our third away match in a run of four in a row across a period of just 10 days, sandwiched between the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg away to Chelsea last Wednesday, and our trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League this Tuesday.
“At the end, it's another little step and the schedule is very, very demanding,” Mikel said. “We came two and a half days ago to play against Chelsea in the semi-final, they both made a huge effort. We have a game in three days against Inter Milan, then Man United, so yeah, reflect today and tomorrow we go again.”
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