Arsenal fell 3-2 to Manchester United at the Emirates, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting his side weren't at their best. The defeat ended a promising run and sparked questions about title credentials. Arteta's post-match comments framed the loss as a reality check, not a crisis.

While the Gunners dominated possession, United's counter-attacking precision proved decisive. This result narrows the gap at the top, putting pressure on Arsenal to respond. For fans, it's a reminder that even in-form teams can stumble against disciplined opponents in a tight Premier League race.

Arteta's pragmatic take suggests a focus on long-term consistency over short-term perfection. The immediate task is regrouping for the next fixture. How Arsenal bounce back will define their season's trajectory more than any single defeat.