Arteta Defends Havertz and Arsenal Amid Penalty Heartbreak Against United

Mikel Arteta reflected on Arsenal’s dramatic penalty shootout loss to Manchester United, offering unwavering support for his players and emphasizing the immense effort they have delivered in recent weeks.

Despite the heartbreak, the Arsenal manager remained proud of his team’s performances against some of the toughest opponents in English football.

“We go home extremely sad, but I cannot be prouder of my players,” Arteta said. “What this team has produced—individually and collectively—against Newcastle on Wednesday night and now against United, it’s incredible. We haven’t been rewarded, and that’s the downside.”

Arteta’s response to Kai Havertz’s penalty miss during the shootout was filled with empathy and encouragement, not just for the German midfielder but for the entire squad. “To him and to all of them, I say that I love them. We all love them, individually and as a team. They are a joy to work with,” he remarked.

The Arsenal boss highlighted the remarkable consistency of his players despite the emotional toll of recent results. “What this team produces every three days is incredible, regardless of the outcomes. I’m not going to lose sight of that just because of results,” Arteta stated. “If we didn’t deserve the result, we look at what we can do better and try to improve. But asking for anything more from these players? It’s very difficult.”

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When asked about the incident following the penalty shootout after Dalot’s Red Card and United Tweet with the word “Justice”, Arteta chose to focus on his team’s resilience and avoided delving into specifics. “I comment about my players and my team,” he said firmly, underlining his priority to shield his squad from unnecessary distractions.

On the question of whether Arsenal needed to bolster their attacking options, Arteta provided a measured response. “No, I don’t think so,” he said. “We miss chances from various situations and plays, yes, but I cannot love our players more for what they give every single day.”

The Spaniard also touched on the emotional challenges the squad faces after a string of demanding fixtures. “Confidence plays a role, of course, but it’s an emotional game. These moments are hard, but we will grow stronger because of them,” he added.

Arteta’s unwavering belief in his players was evident throughout the interview, as he repeatedly emphasized their dedication and character. “It’s not easy to produce what they do every three days. The intensity, the quality—it’s exceptional. Sometimes, football doesn’t give you what you deserve, but that doesn’t change how proud I am of this team.”

Despite the disappointment, Arteta’s words reflected a manager focused on long-term growth and unity. He reiterated his trust in his players, ensuring that moments like these would only serve to strengthen their resolve moving forward.

Arsenal’s demanding schedule has tested both the squad’s physical endurance and emotional resilience. Yet, Arteta’s message is clear: this team has the potential to achieve great things, and moments of heartbreak will not define their journey.

As Arsenal fans process the penalty shootout defeat, they can take solace in the unwavering support and belief of their manager. For Arteta, this moment is just another step in the team’s evolution, and he remains confident that brighter days are ahead for the Gunners.