The FA Cup clash at Emirates Stadium ended in heartbreak for Arsenal as they suffered a shocking defeat to Manchester United in a penalty shootout, despite having a numerical advantage for much of the game.
Arsenal dominated proceedings, particularly after United's Diogo Dalot was sent off, but failed to capitalize on their superiority. The turning point came when Bruno Fernandes put United ahead, while Arsenal squandered several golden opportunities, including a crucial penalty miss by Martin Odegaard during regular time.
The dramatic encounter eventually went to penalties after neither side could secure victory in 120 minutes. Kai Havertz's penalty was saved by United's goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, leading to a 5-3 shootout defeat for the Gunners.
A visibly frustrated Arteta told BBC Sport: 'It's unbelievable. Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you-know, you deserve to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out and the only thing that's going to be judged it that but internally I can't.'
The Arsenal manager remained steadfast in his support of his team, stating: 'I love my players. I love our team and I love how good they are and what they do because in 1,000 games, you should loose one and probably it was this one. You have to understand this as well, it's part of our industry, our game and move on because you don't have time to do that because on Wednesday we have a massive one.'
Addressing the penalty shootout, Arteta maintained his positive outlook: 'It's football and it is a part of that execution, you need things to go your way and tonight it didn't. When you go to penalties you know that it's a flick of the coin and it can go either way.'
He further emphasized his pride in the team: 'It's an incredible team. I'm so proud of my players. I love my players and I cannot be prouder because it's very difficult to demand something else than the performance that they put in there. The ball has to go in the net and then you have to batter the opponent, that's the reality.'
Arsenal now face a crucial week ahead, trailing 2-0 in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle and preparing for a high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham as they aim to maintain their Premier League title challenge against Liverpool.
