Coach Arteta: 'Arsenal performed better than Liverpool'

Following the intense 0-0 draw, Coach Mikel Arteta gave straightforward comments that vividly reflected his feelings and expert evaluation of Arsenal’s display versus Liverpool.

These remarks not only reveal a sense of regret but also highlight Arsenal’s resilience, spirit, and tactical depth despite significant injuries to the squad.

Right from the start, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal’s sole aim was to secure all 3 points. On the pitch, the Gunners dominated the first half, controlling the game well, setting the tempo, and creating a superior overall play. "Clearly, we wanted to win the match, but we couldn’t. We played much better in the first half."- Arteta asserted.

Nevertheless, what satisfied Arteta was the defensive discipline: "We controlled the game more, but in the second half, we struggled. Our passing was poor, we lost our compactness, and they started to drop back defensively. Yet, they held possession without managing a single shot on target."

Regarding errors, Arteta acknowledged Arsenal lacked sharpness in the final stages. According to him, elements like movement, penetration into the box, and personnel were present, but accuracy at the decisive moment was missing. Still, he stressed the team’s disciplined spirit and solidity as a crucial foundation during this difficult period.

Notably, Arteta praised his players when discussing Arsenal’s position in the standings. "I must genuinely compliment the whole team for overcoming a tough phase with many injuries and still achieving their current ranking."- The Spanish coach stated.

Regarding the controversial Martinelli incident, Arteta took a calm stance: "Anyone who knows him knows he’s a kind person and didn’t realize what happened. He hopes Conor is okay. Probably, he wasn’t aware of the incident. I will talk to him."

After the game, the Man of the Match award went to Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder delivered a comprehensive performance, showcasing his outstanding qualities. He controlled the midfield, dictated the pace, and contributed effectively in both attack and defense, becoming a key pillar for the team.