Mikel Arteta feels his Arsenal players owe it to themselves to feel they have advanced another step despite defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
In Wednesday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium the Gunners were looking to prove their credentials on two fronts, primarily in cementing their top-four status while also seeking to better their record against the teams all around.
This makes it the second time they have already lost to Liverpool this season, besides losting to Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Nonetheless, the Gunners managed to put on an impressive performance as they definitely made life hard for the title-chasing Reds. In fact it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were the better team and looking more threatening in the first half with Gabriel Martinelli being particularly impressive against Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Unfortunately the scales tipped in favor of the Reds as they retaliated resolutely with two goals early in the second half while goalkeeper Alisson Becker also saving the day with 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.”
In the meantime while the Gunners’ dismal record against the teams revolving around the Champions League places continues, Arteta urged his players to be focused on the positives from their latest heartwarming 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 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 next date is with Aston Villa on Saturday in their final game before the international break and still have two games in hand on fifth-placed Manchester United in the top-four race. However Arteta isn’t thinking beyond taking 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.