Mikel Arteta Makes “Better” Arsenal Claim and Hints at Discontent After PL Draw to Liverpool
Mikel Arteta has reacted to Arsenal’s 2-2 home draw with Liverpool in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
Arsenal’s manager expressed his belief that his team were “better” than Liverpool in the game, yet he couldn’t hide his frustration over certain officiating decisions that he felt went against his side.
Liverpool managed to equalise twice, with Mohamed Salah scoring the crucial goal that tied the match with only nine minutes left on the clock. The Reds’ resilience kept them in the game, resulting in both teams sharing the points at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, dealing with a series of injuries in recent weeks, were without three of their preferred defenders by the game’s end. Arsenal appeared dominant in the first half but saw their momentum challenged in the second half as Liverpool’s performance improved.
Following the match, and with Arsenal still four points behind Liverpool, who hold second place in the standings, Arteta addressed his team’s performance and the result.
“I’m very disappointed we haven’t won the game today. We were better, but (we didn’t win) because the two things we had to be better at we didn’t.
“I’m very proud of the team especially this situation we are going through (with injuries) at the moment like you couldn’t imagine.
“In the first half it was a total domination, we were really, really good, really sharp, really efficient, really determined.
“The lead should have been bigger. Without conceding anything we gave two goals away. It’s disappointing we couldn’t see the game out.
“We had five injuries in the back line and we had to adapt to it. The courage the players played with was unbelievable. We need to keep going.
“We had some big individual performances today.”
Arteta addressed several incidents that left Arsenal dissatisfied, including claims that Virgil van Dijk might have faced a red card after an early clash with Kai Havertz.
Additionally, Havertz had a goal disallowed late in the game, as referee Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle for a foul.
But the former Everton midfielder responded to each incident “I prefer not to comment” until pressed on the disallowed goal, when he added: “I have been told nothing. I’m sure we will have clarity or a letter afterwards.”
In other news, Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Lists Top Seven Most Difficult Away Games, Including Newcastle
