Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts to Manchester United defeat: “A really strange way to lose”
After Arsenal’s 4-1 loss to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta tried to put a positive spin on the result, calling it “a really strange way” to lose. Speaking after the match, Arteta said:
“First of all you have to congratulate Man Utd for the victory. It happened in a really strange way to be fair. We were so dominant in the first half an hour, scored the goal, had another two brilliant chances to score, and then we give them the goal, which is very unusual from our side.”
Now here’s where it gets funny for fans: Arteta describes Manchester United’s first goal as something Arsenal “gave them,” but it was literally an own goal by United’s Diogo Dalot. So technically, Arsenal didn’t concede in the normal sense—they were gifted a goal… by the opposition! 😂
Looking at the game itself:
Arsenal scored just once (a tidy finish after United’s own goal)
Manchester United scored four—including the one “donated” back to Arsenal
So, while Arteta framed it as an unusual way to lose, the reality is simple: United were the better team, dominated possession at key moments, and scored more goals. No creative wording can mask a 4-1 loss.
Fans on social media were quick to poke fun, pointing out that Arteta’s comments make it sound like Arsenal were unlucky rather than simply outplayed:
“You lost to the better team. Just say you lost. 😭🤌”
It’s a moment that highlights a classic managerial tactic: soften the blow, give a nod to the opponent, and frame mistakes as “strange events” rather than simple defeats. But in this case, even Arsenal’s own phrasing can’t hide the scoreboard.
In short, Arsenal fans are left shaking their heads, and Manchester United supporters can enjoy the humor while celebrating a convincing win that included four goals and one unexpected gift back to the Gunners.
