Arsene Wenger proud of Arsenal's mental toughness after late draw with Man Utd
Sunday 20 November 2016 22:54, UK
Arsene Wenger was proud of Arsenal's mental toughness after they scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Man Utd on Saturday.
Olivier Giroud's 89th-minute header cancelled out Juan Mata's opener at Old Trafford, extending the Gunners' unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions.
Wenger conceded United deserved to go in front on 68 minutes as Arsenal "suffered" after half-time, but the Frenchman was pleased his side battled back to secure a point.
"The result in the end is positive because we were 1-0 down with two minutes to go," Wenger told Sky Sports. "For the rest I think it was a bit scrappy with two teams who were well organised to defend well.
"We didn't manage enough to get them out of position. Our game was not quick enough in our passing and our penetration was not there as it can be.
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"In the first half we had good possession but not many chances, and in the second half we suffered in the first 20 minutes. We came out of the dressing room and they deserved to be in front.
"At least we had a good mental response to come back with a point."
Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set up the equaliser for fellow replacement Giroud, who has scored 10 Premier League goals for Arsenal off the bench, more than any other player.
"We had a good response and once again the players that came on made a massive difference," Wenger added.
"Chamberlain and Giroud were involved in the goal and it was great goal, just before the end.
"When you are 1-0 down and you come back to 1-1 it feels like a victory, you are happy. We lacked a bit of sharpness, what it is down to, I don't know.
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"Last year we would have lost this game, maybe, and today we didn't so we have improved on that front.
"Hopefully we can move on with some wins, we have a big game on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain and that will be the same intensity.
"I am convinced that we will be better on Wednesday."
