Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gives honest thoughts on Son Heung-Min's miss vs Manchester City
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has offered his take on Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-Min's miss in the midweek Premier League home defeat to Manchester City in midweek. The Cityzens won the game 2-0.
After a goalless first period, Erling Haaland broke the deadlock for Pep Guardiola's side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium six minutes after the break. With City looking to put the game to bed, the Spurs captain squadered a glorious opportunity to equalise.
Towards the closing moments of the game, Brenan Johnson capitalised on an error from City defender Manuel Akanji to send Son clean through on goal. However, the South Korean saw his effort saved by City custodian Stefan Ortega.
Had the ball gone in and the game ended all-square, the Gunners would have been in pole position in the title race, leading the Cityzens on goal difference. However, as things transpired, City rubbed insult to injury as Haaland's second of the game in stoppage time sent the reigning champions two points clear at the top.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Arteta said (as per Metro) that Son was one of the best players in that moment:
"If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment then it would have been him. Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times you have the winning shot and how sometimes he didn’t always manage to do it. This is the beauty of the sport too, so what can you do?
"The hope was there, and it didn’t happen. Now we have to do our job which is going to be tough because Everton are in a good moment. It’s one of the biggest weeks for sure for many of us. Certainly now is the most important moment. Can’t wait for Sunday to be in front of us. Very optimistic for the possible outcome.
Arsenal now need to win their final game on Sunday (May 19) and hope that City do not to end their 20-year Premier League title drought.
What's next for Arsenal and Manchester City?
One of the most thrilling Premier League title races in recent memory comes to an end on the final day of the season on Sunday.
Leaders Manchester City host West Ham United, knowing that a win will make them the first team to accomplish the Premier League four-peat, having won five of the last six league titles. Second-placed Arsenal, meanwhile, host Everton on the second day, but their hopes of winning the title depend on City dropping points.
It's pertinent to note that Arsenal have won their last five league games, while Manchester City are unbeaten in 22, winning 18, including the last eight. Are there any twists in store on Sunday?