Arsenal must respond to title test: Arteta

Mikel Arteta urged his Arsenal players to prove their mental toughness after a 3-2 loss to Manchester United that injected fresh energy into the Premier League title fight.

Victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday would have stretched Arsenals lead at the summit to seven points, yet they let slip the opportunity to solidify their challenge.

Lisandro Martinezs own goal handed Arsenal the early edge, but Bryan Mbeumo levelled matters for United just before the break.

Patrick Dorgus stunning effort from distance put the visitors ahead following the restart, though Mikel Merino bundled in an Arsenal leveller late on.

Merinos finish came after an error from United custodian Senne Lammens, but moments later Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha hit a magnificent shot from 25 yards to leave the home side reeling.

Arsenal now enjoy only a four-point buffer over Manchester City in second and Aston Villa in third after Villas 2-0 success at Newcastle on Sunday.

The differences are razor thin and we shrank them more. We must rally now and reveal our true character Arteta declared.

Today we fell short of our standards and suffered for it. We handed it over on a plate.

We let in a rare and hurtful goal then United seized two outstanding chances with brilliant finishes. We were far from our peak.

The first 30 minutes saw us dictating play and finding the net but then we kept surrendering possession in vital spots. Control slipped away and the game descended into mayhem.

This ended Arsenals 13-match unbeaten streak across competitions since their December reverse at Villa.

It signalled their initial home loss in 18 fixtures in all tournaments since the May setback to Bournemouth.

Arsenal retain the power to shape their path but blank draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had already stirred unease among fans and this outcome raises fresh doubts for Arteta.

Without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup and no league crown in 22 years Arsenal must steel themselves in the weeks ahead having frittered away big advantages in prior bids.

The squad has brought us tremendous delight and showings so they need to hear how excellent they are he added.

We learn from such blows. Dropping points or losing is key to eventual triumph and it demands we reaffirm their abilities. These are the times to display solidarity and cohesion.

Reaching our ambitions involves hurdles like these for any outfit.