Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta 'not surprised' that Sheffield United beat Man Utd

The result may have sent shockwaves around the Premier League, but according to one Premier League boss, no one should really be shocked.
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Few would have bet on Sheffield United coming away with a win at Manchester United, but goals from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke, either side of a Harry Maguire equaliser, saw the Blades pick up only their second league victory of the season.

The Red Devils hadn’t lost in the league since November 1, while Sheffield United’s solitary success had come a just few weeks ago against struggling Newcastle United at Bramall Lane.

Phil Jagielka was superb in the Sheffield United defence as the Blades beat Man Utd at Old Trafford. Simon Bellis/SportimagePhil Jagielka was superb in the Sheffield United defence as the Blades beat Man Utd at Old Trafford. Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Phil Jagielka was superb in the Sheffield United defence as the Blades beat Man Utd at Old Trafford. Simon Bellis/Sportimage
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However, a supreme show of discipline, bravery and defensive dedication – notably from veteran Phil Jagielka – saw Chris Wilder’s side head back across the Pennines with three well-earned points.

And while the football world wondered ‘how?’, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shrugged his shoulders and countered that it shouldn’t come as a surprise, hinting that the Blades are sitting in a false position at the bottom of the Premier League.

“It is not a surprise because to beat any team in this league is extremely difficult and people take it for granted,” said Arteta, whose side take on Manchester United this weekend. "Sheffield United are a really well organised team, they are a threat and they are good at what they do.

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta says he is not surprised that Sheffield United beat Man Utd last night. (Andy Rain/Pool via AP)Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta says he is not surprised that Sheffield United beat Man Utd last night. (Andy Rain/Pool via AP)
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta says he is not surprised that Sheffield United beat Man Utd last night. (Andy Rain/Pool via AP)

“You see that they lost many games by one goal when they didn’t deserve to lose. Every game is a battle in this league and anybody can beat anybody, and with the context and circumstances we have this season, it makes it even more difficult."

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