The former French star Patrick Vieira expressed his sympathy for Arsenal after their loss to Manchester City, stating that the team played a strong match but the result did not reflect that.

Vieira, the former player for both teams, made his remarks following the 2-1 defeat in a highly significant match in the English Premier League title race, which increased the pressure on coach Mikel Arteta's team.

Vieira explained that Arsenal played the "expected match" and performed well, but the small details decided the encounter in City's favor.

He pointed out that Arsenal players were up to the challenge in terms of performance and fighting spirit, but they failed to convert opportunities into goals, which left them without points despite their convincing level.

The French star emphasized that the decisive factor in the match was experience, as he believed that Manchester City players handled the moments of the game better, especially in the second half. He added that the timing of Erling Haaland's goal was extremely impactful, as it came after a period when Arsenal was close to asserting control over the match.

Despite the loss, Vieira emphasized that Arsenal's performance gives its fans hope to continue competing until the end, affirming that the team is still capable of challenging the top teams. However, he acknowledged that the title race is no longer entirely in Arsenal's hands, as they now need to win their remaining matches and wait for their direct competitor to stumble.