Arsenal appeared to suffer a further blow following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat against after pulled up with an injury during the warm-down.
The Gunners surrendered their unbeaten start to the new season after two goals from helped United secure a fourth straight victory and move to within three points of the Premier League summit.
Arsenal dominated large spells of an absorbing contest but were ultimately left to pay for an erratic defensive display and a high line which was punctured by the passing of Bruno Fernandes.
The Gunners must now pick themselves up ahead of upcoming fixtures against FC Zurich and but it looks as though they will have to cope without Emile Smith Rowe.
According to David Ornstein, the England international pulled up and looked ‘distressed’ during the warm down and was seen deep in conversation with first team coach Carlos Cuesta, before the pair retreated to the dressing room.
The England international has played a bit-part role during the opening weeks of the new campaign after his pre-season was hampered by injury, but he was starting to force his way back into the fold having made three consecutive substitute appearances.
Arteta wanted to add more ‘firepower’ to his squad during the closing stages of the transfer window but Arsenal were unable to agree a fee with Wolves for Pedro Neto before they turned their attention to signing a midfielder following injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey.
The Arsenal manager, meanwhile, was heartened by his team’s overall display and thought they did enough to claim all three points at Old Trafford.
‘I am really disappointed to lose the game especially with the way it went over the 95 minutes,’ he said.
‘We had some big periods where we were totally dominant and in total control. We created chance after chance but did not close the game. In any moment, when they have open spaces, they are going to hurt you.
‘They had three big chances and scored three goals, we have numerous chances and we didn’t score enough.
‘We had a period in the first 18 minutes when we struggle and did not control the game but after that it was all us. We lose the ball in a really difficult place and play a ball in an area we don’t have to and one pass and they are through.
‘We should come here and win because of the way we play. Because of the performance and the way we dominated the game.’
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