Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his choice to play Mo Elneny over Sambi Lokonga against Manchester United.

The Gunners were narrowly beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday in the Premier League.

Despite taking the lead through Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal fell behind to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

They equalized in the second half, but a Ronaldo spot kick won the game for United.

Asked about Elneny over Lokonga, Arteta said post-game: "That I think we need a player like him with the experience that has played here in that arena, that was incredibly good last year when he played here as well.

"The way he's been training, the way he plays and because I believe that sometimes we have to do tough things for the game."