Arteta “really upset” as Arsenal’s “unacceptable” start leads to frustrating Liverpool draw
Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure after Arsenal clawed back a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, admitting he was “really upset” by the Gunners’ lacklustre start despite their spirited recovery.
Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino were on target for the visitors after they had gone two goals behind in the first half. But Arteta was more concerned by what he described as “unacceptable” standards in possession and defence that could have cost his side dearly.
“We gave the ball away in areas where it is totally prohibited against this team,” he said post-match. “I hate reactions — I like actions. If you want to be there winning trophies, you do not wait to react. You go and take it.”
Arsenal were overrun in the opening 25 minutes and found themselves 2-0 down through goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. The league champions looked on course for a routine win until Martinelli pounced before half-time, and Merino completed the comeback with a header. However, the latter was later sent off, compounding a growing list of setbacks.
“We have played six times this season with ten men,” Arteta added. “If that keeps happening, we are not going to win anything next season either.”
The draw keeps Arsenal’s hopes of sealing a Champions League place intact, and they now have the chance to consolidate their position when they face Newcastle United next. But Arteta’s focus was on the inconsistency that continues to plague his team in high-stakes matches.
“When you want to win at Anfield, you cannot switch off,” he said. “Ball goes out, we do not react. That is the first minute, the fifth, the tenth, the ninety-fifth — it has to be the same fire.”
The manager also confirmed that Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber were not fit to feature, while Leandro Trossard picked up a hamstring issue during the game.
Arteta praised Martinelli’s impact in a central role, highlighting his pace against Liverpool’s high line, and gave credit to Ben White for his performance. But his wider message was one of tough lessons.
“Against the top teams, we have shown we can compete,” he said. “But to actually win, week after week, we need more. Not just availability, but consistency, discipline and responsibility.”
With just a few games left, Arsenal will need to channel the resilience they showed in the second half into complete performances if they are to finish the season on a strong note.
