Manchester United news: Juan Mata bemoans inability to hold leads at Old Trafford after Arsenal draw

It was the third consecutive Premier League draw at home

Juan Mata scored during the draw against Arsenal (Getty)

Juan Mata has lamented Manchester United’s inability to hold onto winning positions at Old Trafford after dropping yet more points against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Spaniard gave United the lead before substitute Olivier Giroud’s 89^th-minute header cost Jose Mourinho’s side what would have been only their third Premier League victory since August.

United have been frustrated at home this season, with the draw with Arsenal the latest game they have dominated without winning, after failing to take all three points against Stoke and Burnley in October.

The result left the Red Devils in sixth position, nine points adrift from leaders Chelsea and six points off the Champions League spots.

And Mata knows they would be among the teams currently occupying a top-four spot had they managed to make the most of their possession in games.

"That frustration after the final whistle is not new, unfortunately,” said Mata.

"Against Arsenal we played yet another game where I felt that we did everything, or almost everything, to win and two points slipped away.

"The whole team did a great effort. We had chances, we were solid defensively to keep such a good team like Arsenal away from our box. We were one goal ahead in the 89th minute… and we got a draw.

"It could have been a great weekend and it leaves a bad taste, but we must be positive.

"The way we played, the motivation, ambition and competitiveness that we showed, or the team's personality are enough reasons to believe that sooner or later we are going to get the reward that we deserve.

"Now we could talk about where we would be with nine points instead of three after those consecutive draws at Old Trafford.

"However, I prefer to focus on the idea that we must keep the same level and the good results will come.

"Sometimes the scores are difficult to take, but this draw is not going to stop us in our goal, which is to keep improving. There are still many games to play."