Mikel has mixed feelings after Brighton draw | Interview | News

Mikel Arteta had mixed emotions after seeing his team pick up a point from a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The coach was pleased with the results and solid performance that allowed the hosts to emerge victorious after losing just once in the league all season, but they took the lead with a good goal from Ethan Nwaneri and the performance of Joao Pedro secured the victory. I saw that I missed it. No one wanted a penalty kick in the second half.

Mikel feels that the sending off of our 17-year-old goalscorer at half-time affected our performance, but although it was in vain, he is grateful for the work rate and dedication of the players who continued to run until the end. I was satisfied.

“It’s always disappointing when you don’t win a game, but it’s really difficult coming here. They’re a good team,” Mikel said. “We started the game well, controlled the game in many ways without having much possession, but we scored some beautiful goals and didn’t concede any goals.

“And in the second half, Ethan got injured, so we had to replace Ethan and adapt some things, and we didn’t maintain our level, especially when we had the ball. Many of the simple things we should have done, we didn’t do.

“That gave us a certain advantage, momentum and the ability to play in the right areas. The game was open with very few goals conceded except for the chance against Minte. It was disappointing. Obviously a decision was made that changed the course of the game.” And that’s really frustrating. ”

Mikel was once again forced into a defensive change with Thomas Partey moved to the last line to cover for the suspended Julian Timber, but despite regular personnel changes to the back four, our unit once again Solid throughout, David Raya had no problems for most of the match. encounter.

This pleased the commander. I can’t fault the team’s efforts as they continue to fight for silver on four fronts and I hope we can bounce back as we have a great chance of making it to the final when Newcastle United arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. ” Be stylish.

Commenting on our defensive solidity, he added: I was also amazed – it wasn’t enough to win, we lacked something today with the ball, we understand that we lost a very important player who was key to our fluidity. – It’s a shame because we need to win the game.

“We are playing in different competitions every three days and have to deal with a lot of issues within the team, but the players really want it.

“We keep moving forward and on Tuesday we have a beautiful game, a semi-final and a great game in front of the nation, so get your energy back and go for it.”