Manchester United defeat extended poor run against top teamsSenior players urged to set example for Arsenal’s youngstersIn the context of Mikel Arteta’s expansive answers, it was jarring to hear him suddenly stop short. And revealing. The
Arsenal manager was trying to make sense of Thursday night’s 3-2 defeat at
Manchester United, a game that his team had controlled at various points, when he was asked whether his senior players had to give him more.
“Absolutely the balance that we need is right,” Arteta began. “The senior players have to lead and the young players have to follow.” Cue a nod and a steely stare.