Mikel Arteta reveals reaction to Heung-min Son’s miss against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared a personal moment, revealing how his children reacted with dismay to Tottenham’s Heung-min Son missing a crucial chance against Manchester City—a moment that could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.

Tottenham suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night, a match that held significant implications for both the title race and the top-four battle.

Tottenham needed a win to stay in contention for a Champions League spot, while Arsenal’s title hopes were dented by the result.

A majority of Tottenham supporters were rooting for their team’s defeat, hoping to hamper Arsenal’s title challenge, a sentiment that frustrated Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

Despite a decent first-half performance from Spurs, Erling Haaland broke the deadlock early in the second half, giving Manchester City the lead.

The game remained tightly contested at 1-0 until a pivotal moment when Manuel Akanji’s mistake sent Heung-min Son through on goal. With the South Korean star one-on-one against City’s backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who had replaced Ederson mid-game, an equaliser was expected. However, Son failed to successfully convert his chance as his shot was saved by Ortega, maintaining City’s lead.

In stoppage time, Spurs conceded a penalty which Haaland scored from the spot, sealing a 2-0 victory and dealing a significant blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations.

Arteta, who was watching the game with his family, described the tense moment and his children’s reaction.

Speaking to the press ahead of the final showdown, Arteta said (quotes via Football London):

“My kids running around the table and going like this [head in hands].”

“You can imagine. That is magic as well, to have the opportunity to be living it, next to your family and next to your colleagues. Being part of that.”

The defeat for Tottenham not only impacted their own top-four hopes, but also had broader repercussions for the Premier League title race, underscoring the high stakes and emotional investment from fans and managers alike.

All eyes will be on Sunday’s games as Manchester City take on West Ham while Arsenal play Everton – a must win game for both sides.