Mikel Arteta was proud of Arsenal’s performance against Man City but was left frustrated at not getting anything from the game, Gunners assistant Albert Stuivenberg told talkSPORT.
Arteta had to watch the game from home on Saturday after testing positive for COVID-19, and would have gone through every emotion possible during a dramatic game to kick off 2022.
Stuivenberg took charge of the game in Arteta’s absenceGetty 
Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 this week and missed the gameGetty
The Gunners enjoyed a brilliant first 45 minutes but suffered last-minute heartbreak as Rodri scored a 93rd minute winner at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka had given the north London side the lead before a disastrous three minute spell in the second-half that allowed City to grasp control.
Granit Xhaka gave away a penalty, which Riyad Mahrez scored, with Gabriel then being sent off with two quick yellow cards, as the Gunners went on to lose 2-1.
After the game, Stuivenberg told talkSPORT: “Mikel expressed his feelings that he’s really proud of the team and their performance, as we all are.
“But also he’s frustrated that we don’t have at least one point and I think we deserved three.”
A mad three minutes involving Gabriel and Xhaka saw the game shift momentum towards CityAFP
Arsenal felt aggrieved with the VAR decisions in the game that saw a penalty go the way of City, while their own claims for a spot-kick were waved away.
“Normally the penalty comes [when the referee goes to the monitor],” Stuivenberg added.
“We are looking for consistency there. Of course, the challenge on Martin [Odegaard] is a challenge that needs to be checked also if you are not certain. For me it’s a certain penalty, but okay.
“That’s disappointing. The game changed a bit after the penalty they got, but we also got the possibility to score there with Martinelli having the chance to make it 2-1.
“We end up with zero points, but we have a lot of positives to look back on.”
Gabriel was sent off, forcing Arsenal to play with 10 menAFP
On Gabriel’s red card, he said: “Of course it’s disappointing that you end up with ten players on the pitch. I think the first yellow card, I’m not sure of the reason for that one.
“But if you are on a yellow card you have to take care not to get another one. I think it’s given quickly, that’s frustrating and for him he needs to learn from those actions.
“In the end, how we defended with ten players against this City team, not conceding a lot of chances, I’m still proud of.”
Rodri’s last minute goal earned all three points for Man City
Arsenal produced arguably one of their best performances under Arteta against a Man City side that are now 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, and notched their 11th straight win.
The Gunners are packed with young stars and when asked if they lost their heads during those defining moments, the Arsenal assistant said: “It’s logical. We have our emotions and when you think it’s not a penalty, and get punished like that and it’s 1-1 where they did not create anything up until then, yes it’s a bit like this.
“We have to learn to control our emotions and focus on the task we have.”
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