United loss “a sickener” says Arsene Wenger

United loss “a sickener” says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has said yesterday afternoon’s defeat to Manchester United was “a sickener”.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by United at Old Trafford thanks to an injury-time header from substitute Marouane Fellaini.


The hosts took the lead after only 15 mintues thanks to Paul Pogba, however Arsenal penned back in the second-half through former United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who hit his third goal in a Gunners shirt since joining the club from United in January.

All look set for spoils to be shared, however Fellaini’s late winner handed Jose Mourinho’s side all three points and ensured Arsene Wenger’s last ever clash with Manchester United ended in defeat.

And while Wenger was impressed with his side’s display, the Frenchman admits the defeat is a tough pill to swallow.

“It’s a sickener but overall I believe the positive performance was there, and some players stood up to the level that was requested and showed a big quality,” he told Arsenal Player after the game.

“I would say our central defence has done well. Mavropanos, who nobody knew before, has done well. Maitland-Niles has done well too.

“Of course we know the experienced players who played, but Iwobi did well in the first half too, and tired in the second half. Overall these are all players who have shown great qualities.”

Before the game Wenger was presented with a commemorative trophy by former rival Sir Alex Ferguson to mark his final trip to Manchester.

“It was the first time I had got a trophy before the game,” the Frenchman said afterwards, “It’s the end of a long, long story. I would like to thank Manchester United for the gesture they made. They will certainly be competing with Arsenal in the future again, and I will be following that with attention, and hopefully Arsenal come here next season and win.”