Ten Hag makes Premier League title admission after "annoying" Arsenal defeat

Erik ten Hag has sent a message to his players following their 3-2 defeat to title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday.

The Red Devils fell short to Mikel Arteta's side in a dramatic contest which extends the Gunners' lead at the top of the table.

They are now 11 points clear of Ten Hag's side, and five points adrift of reigning champions Manchester City, who have played one game extra.

After battling back to 2-2, United were undone by Eddie Nketiah, who popped up late in the day to poke the ball past David De Gea, stealing all three points at the Emirates.

Ten Hag 'annoyed' by defeat

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag praised his side's progress, but admitted he was 'annoyed' by the defeat.

"We already have seen how the mentality from the players has changed over the last couple of months," he said. "But we also have to notice [that] today [against Arsenal] that we still have a way to go and to be on top level.

"[I] realise we are in a good position, realise we are in a good development and good process, but in this moment, I am annoyed."

The Dutchman went on to express his frustration at conceding late in the game, revealing the need to change his players' 'mentality' if they are to improve and compete for trophies.

"I also told the players: ‘If you want to win trophies, titles – we have to change our mentality," he said.

"It is not possible that you are in a top game, making three such big mistakes, where you concede goals and especially the last goal. You have to feel the game.

"You can’t give such a goal away like we did and on [the] top level then you can’t win trophies.

"[We have to be] 100 per cent focused, do the sacrificing, do the suffering, follow the rules and the principles."