"I was tough..." - Disappointed Man Utd star admits Arsenal defeat was a "reality check"

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has claimed that his side's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday represents a 'reality check' after a run of six league games without defeat was ended.

United had not lost a game since before the World Cup prior to their visit to the Emirates Stadium, and got off to the perfect start when Marcus Rashford put them ahead with a low drive from distance.

But Arsenal equalised before half-time through Eddie Nketiah, before Bukayo Saka gave Mikel Arteta's side the lead with a curling finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

United levelled the scores through a Lisandro Martinez header, but came under increasingly heavy pressure towards the final stages.

And that pressure told in second half added time, with Nketiah flicking Martin Odegaard's deflected pass beyond David de Gea.

The goal sparked jubilant scenes among Arsenal players, staff and fans, but it was a bitter blow for Erik ten Hag's side after being more than competitive for large parts of the match. They are fourth place in the Premier League, 11 points behind the league-leading Gunners. They are, however, six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham after 20 games each.

Shaw gave his disappointed reaction after the final whistle at the Emirates.

Shaw on Man Utd defeat to Arsenal

Speaking to Sky Sports, the United left-back said (quotes via the club's official website): "You have to give them [Arsenal] credit for what they have done this season.

"I know we are only halfway, but I think they deserve to be at the top from the way they are playing and the way they play.

"Like I just said, we are only halfway through the season and there is a long way to go, we have to fully focus now on our next game as we have a big [Carabao Cup] semi-final coming up [against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford].

"The quality of these games [are improving] much more. It was a tough game to be involved in, but these are the games that every player wants to play in to test themselves against the best.

"We are all gutted conceding so late, but it's a bit of a reality check to where we are at the moment. We have to get back to work tomorrow with a big game on Wednesday against Forest."

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Arsenal

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.