Monday 21 November 2016 13:39, UK
Juan Mata believes Manchester United have plenty to feel positive about, despite conceding a last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal on Saturday.
Manchester United looked to be on course for three vital points at Old Trafford after Mata scored his third Premier League goal of the season to put them ahead in the 68th minute, but Olivier Giroud's header a minute from time rescued a draw for the Gunners.
It is the third consecutive league game United have drawn at home after frustrating outings against Stoke and Burnley, but Mata is confident the team will soon get their just rewards if they continue to perform like they did against Arsenal.
Writing in his weekly blog on juanmata8.com, the Spaniard said: "Against Arsenal we played yet another game where I've 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 deserved."
United must quickly put the disappointment of Saturday's draw behind them ahead of two games at Old Trafford this week.
On Thursday, they will be hoping to make up ground in Group A when they welcome Feyenoord to Old Trafford in the Europa League. Jose Mourinho's side are third, a point behind the Dutch side and Fenerbahce with two games remaining.
On Sunday, United will try to avoid losing further ground on their top-four rivals in the Premier League when West Ham visit Old Trafford.
Mata added: "This new week we have two more games at Old Trafford and we want to transmit again to our fans all those things I'm talking about.
"It's really a privilege to play for a crowd with so much passion that supports the team no matter what, both at home and away.
"The first game of those two is against Feyenoord. It's very important if we want to qualify for the next round of the Europa League. The second one is against West Ham, back in the Premier League."
