Mikel Arteta names the ‘best player on the pitch’ after Arsenal lose to Man Utd
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Mikel Arteta said Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was ‘probably the best player on the pitch’ during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal failed to beat 10-man United on Sunday afternoon to exit the FA Cup before the fourth round.
![[Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Third Round]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2193615668.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Bruno Fernandes gave Manchester United the lead just after half-time but Arsenal were well on top when Diogo Dalot was sent off two minutes before Gabriel equalised with half an hour remaining. Arsenal created a number of chances to win the game but a combination of poor finishing and brilliance from United back-up goalkeeper Bayindir kept the tie level.
![[Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Third Round]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2193615575.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Bayindir produced a superb save to deny Martin Odegaard from the penalty spot and then was a full-stretch to push Declan Rice’s effort past the post. In the penalty shootout, it was Bayindir who upstaged one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in David Raya by keeping out Kai Havertz and sending Manchester United through.
Asked about Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal, Arteta said: ‘It’s football and a part of our execution is the goalkeeper who was probably the best player [today]. ‘It’s unbelievable. Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you-know, you deserve to win the game by a mile.
‘But the reality is we are out and the only thing that’s going to be judged it that but internally I can’t. ‘I love my players. I love our team and I love how good they are and what they do because in 1000 games, you should lose one and probably it was this one.
