Mikela Arteta was not willing to discuss Arsenal's slim title chase chances as he abruptly walked out of a post-match interview following a draw against Manchester United.
Arsenal needed a victory over United to remain in shot of contesting for the Premier League title with ladder leaders Liverpool sitting 15 points clear atop of the table.
Declan Rice saved his team from succumbing to defeat as he nailed an equaliser in the 76th before denying Rasmus Hojlund of a late goal to confirm a draw.
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Bruno Fernandes looked to replicate his first-half goal scoring efforts during the dying moments of injury time but his shot was swept up by Arsenal keeper David Raya.
Arteta did not hide his frustrations post-match, conceding that his players had "opened the gate to lose the game".
"There was no chance to lose the game and we opened it ourselves," Arteta told Sky Sports on Monday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) and Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) and Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match at Old Trafford. PA Images via Getty Images
"We had some unbelievable situations but we didn't get the last shot or the last pass.
"We didn't capitalise, we rushed the game, we started to lose duels and we could have ended up losing it. Sometimes that is what is missing. The execution has to be in to the right player and the right player to shoot.
"How we conceded [chances] in certain moments was not acceptable. They have so much quality and they pick the right player and normally that would end in a goal.
"I will defend my players all the time but in those moments we have to do better."
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Tension began to boil over for Arteta when he was asked if he had regrets about the club's failure to sign a striker during the January transfer window.
"I don't want to say that, but today the frustration is that we haven't won a game," Arteta said.
"We know the urgency and we are obligated to win every single match if you want to have a chance of doing that."
Arsenal manager Mikela Arteta walks out of post-match interview.
Arsenal manager Mikela Arteta walks out of post-match interview. Sky Sports
The Spaniard shook his head at the reporter following his response before attempting to escape the interview, where he suddenly paused to listen to one final question.
With Liverpool seemingly running away with the title, Arteta delivered a simple response to whether he believes his team's hopes at winning the title were edging out of reach.
"I don't think it's the right moment to talk about that," he replied before exiting the room.