Mikel Arteta vowed to lift Bernd Leno s spirits after the goalkeeper s error cost Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, and the new Gunners boss also said he hoped Granit Xhaka would stay at the club.
Leno allowed a Mason Mount cross to pass him by before Jorginho scored Chelsea s equaliser at Emirates Stadium, cancelling out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang s opener in a game Arsenal dominated before half-time.
Arsenal collapsed in the closing stages, with Tammy Abraham sliding Chelsea s winner through Leno s legs three minutes from time to ensure Arteta suffered his first defeat since taking charge.
Arteta admitted the defeat would affect Leno s confidence, but called upon his players to look forward to their clash with Manchester United on New Year s Day.
He will be down, but we have to lift him, Arteta said of Leno. He s been brilliant for this football club.
I m really disappointed with the result, the way we conceded and the timing. I m pleased with lots of things, but I m disappointed to lose.
I thought the structure was good. We need to control those situations but they are really good in transition.
We have to move on.
: Bernd will be down but it s our job to lift him. He s done a really good job since he arrived here.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal)
The omission of Xhaka from Arteta s starting line-up added weight to speculation linking the Swiss midfielder with a move to Hertha Berlin in January.
Arteta insisted an illness was behind the decision to leave him out, telling reporters: He started to feel ill after the Bournemouth game.
I hope he doesn t leave in January.
