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.<\/p>\n
In Wednesday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
This makes it the second time they have already lost to Liverpool this season, besides losting to Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s opener.<\/p>\n
Arsenal boss Arteta told\u00a0Sky Sports<\/em>:<\/p>\n \u201cFrom box to box, we were at least on their level \u2013 if not better. But in the boxes, that\u2019s where they won it.<\/p>\n \u201cThey had two chances and scored two goals. We had the chances and we didn\u2019t score. For the rest, we went toe-to-toe against the best team in the league right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked what impressed him most, the Spaniard added: \u201cEverything, our high press, how and where we regained it, how we kept possession, how we threatened.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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\u2019t reflect the result.\u201d<\/p>\n In the meantime while the Gunners\u2019 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope not [the result denting Arsenal\u2019s confidence], it should make them realise that it\u2019s another step,\u201d he said. \u201cThe gap is smaller, but the reality is you lose the game.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd 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\u2019s a different story.\u201d<\/p>\n Arteta said of the Arsenal fans: \u201cWe want to win every game and we\u2019re proud of the performance and the connection you see with the fans. They stick behind the team all the way through.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never seen an atmosphere like this, that\u2019s the reality.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019t thinking beyond taking it one game at a time.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, we need to sleep well, have something good to eat, recover mentally, be prepared,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cOn Saturday, we will have a battle against Aston Villa.<\/p>\n \u201cThe next game is the biggest game of the season and for us, Saturday is the biggest game of the season. I think they\u2019ve shown [qualities of a Champions League side] tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Arsenal beat Villa 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the reverse fixture between the sides earlier this season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"