As disappointing as Arsenal were against Manchester United on Saturday, Theo Walcott believes there were signs of progress in their 1-1 draw.
The Gunners have a miserable record at Old Trafford, having failed to record a Premier League win at the famous stadium since September 2006. And they once more head back to the capital without the three points, although they will be grateful not to have suffered another defeat against the 20-time champions.
Juan Mata made United’s pressure pay off when he slotted home the opening goal in the second half, but just as it looked like this would be enough for Jose Mourinho’s side, substitute Olivier Giroud headed an 89th minute equaliser. This was probably more than Arsene Wenger’s side deserved, although Walcott disagrees.
“A point at Old Trafford is good, and it’s probably a fair result, but obviously we want more if we want to challenge for the title,” he told Sky Sports. “We managed to snatch it in the end and worked hard. The league this year is so difficult, and you can’t call it, but in years gone by we haven’t got anything from this game.”
The draw wasn’t enough to take Arsenal to the top of the table, although even a win would have only resulted in a brief spell at the summit, but it’s by no means a disaster as they are still just two points off the leaders. As for United, they remain in sixth place, and will be disappointed not to have won a match they dominated.
“Of course it is two points dropped,” Mourinho told the BBC. ” If you have a bad game against a very good team like Arsenal, you draw and it is not a bad result. But when (David) De Gea was on holidays, when (Petr) Cech made two or three very good saves or when you miss two or three very good chances and you are in total control then you concede late, then the feeling is like a defeat.”
