Arteta insists ‘the gap is smaller’ but Arsenal must face Liverpool reality as unprecedented admission made
Mikel Arteta claimed his Arsenal players should feel like they have taken another step forward despite defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Gunners headed into Wednesday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium looking to prove their credentials on two fronts. While they wanted to cement their top-four status, they also sought to better their record against the teams around them.
Indeed, Arsenal had lost twice already to Liverpool this season before Wednesday. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have also beaten them this term.
Arsenal therefore impressed as they made life hard for title-chasing Liverpool. In fact, the Gunners put in the better and more threatening first-half performance. Gabriel Martinelli was particularly impressive against Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Ultimately, though, the endeavour counted for nothing as Liverpool hit back with two goals early in the second half. They also had Alisson Becker to thank for a fantastic save before Diogo Jota’s opener.
Arsenal boss Arteta told Sky Sports: “From box to box, we were at least on their level – if not better. But in the boxes, that’s where they won it.
“They had two chances and scored two goals. We had the chances and we didn’t score. For the rest, we went toe-to-toe against the best team in the league right now.”
Asked what impressed him most, the Spaniard added: “Everything, our high press, how and where we regained it, how we kept possession, how we threatened.
“It was everything we talked about, how they tried to execute it, the quality the intensity, the courage with which they played against this team. Unfortunately, the performance doesn’t reflect the result.”
Arsenal’s poor record against the teams in and around the Champions League places goes on. However, Arteta urged his players to take the positives from their latest display.
“I hope not [the result denting Arsenal’s confidence], it should make them realise that it’s another step,” he said. “The gap is smaller, but the reality is you lose the game.
“And at that level when you open the door for them, you concede a goal. Before the first goal, if [Martin] Odegaard puts that one in the net it’s a different story.”
Arteta hails Arsenal fans
Arteta said of the Arsenal fans: “We want to win every game and we’re proud of the performance and the connection you see with the fans. They stick behind the team all the way through.
“I’ve never seen an atmosphere like this, that’s the reality.”
Arsenal play Aston Villa on Saturday in their final game before the international break.
They still have two games in hand on fifth-placed Manchester United in the top-four race. Ahead of the run-in, though, Arteta will take it one game at a time.
“Today, we need to sleep well, have something good to eat, recover mentally, be prepared,” he said.
“On Saturday, we will have a battle against Aston Villa.
“The next game is the biggest game of the season and for us, Saturday is the biggest game of the season. I think they’ve shown [qualities of a Champions League side] tonight.”
Arsenal beat Villa 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the reverse fixture between the sides earlier this season.
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