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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Nicolas Pepe ‘let the team down’ with his red card during the goalless draw against Leeds United.
The home team had numerous chances to break the deadlock, but failed to do so.
Patrick Bamford and recent signing Raphinha hit the mark.
Early loser: Wilder turns down an opportunity like his Sheff Utd forwards
Leeds dominated much of the game, but did not use their advantage.
Pepe was sent off early in the second half for violent conduct towards Ezgjan Alioski when he appeared to head butt his opponent.
That left the Gunners exposed at times and unable to advance so many players on the attack.
Speaking after the game, Arteta told Sky Sports (via BBC): “Considering how early we sent Pepe, we have to accept it. I never like a draw, but under the circumstances, it’s a point. It is unacceptable.
“The first half there were two different periods. The game broke a bit, we started giving the ball away and we took them to have room to break. The second part was a matter of defending well and being patient and using the rhythm of our players in the space they were leaving.
“With ten men it is a great disadvantage. I really liked the personality of the team when Pepe disappointed the team, how we just did what we had to do and we had a moment or two to win the game, but obviously he makes it very difficult.
England international Bukayo Saka also had a good chance to score. He was sent after a great run by right-back Héctor Bellerin.
Speaking about Saka’s opportunity, Arteta said: “It was the best opportunity of the game, I thought the goalkeeper did well. The reality is that they threatened our box a lot and we were lucky on some occasions ”.
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