Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arteta relays how Arsenal ‘lost control’ against Liverpool before clashing with Klopp on how game should’ve ended
Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal handed over some momentum to Liverpool during their 2-2 draw on Sunday, losing control before having to rely on Aaron Ramsdale.
The Premier League leaders earned a two-goal advantage inside the opening half an hour at Anfield thanks to a goal from Gabriel Martinelli and a header by Gabriel Jesus, assisted by the opening goalscorer.
Mohamed Salah pulled one back for Liverpool before half time, but also missed a penalty for them after the break. However, Roberto Firmino went on to cancel out Arsenal’s lead with a headed equaliser late on.
It was then over to goalkeeper Ramsdale to pull off a couple of outstanding saves in stoppage time to keep hold of a point for Arsenal.
Consequently, Arsenal are six points clear of Manchester City – who have a game in hand – at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Arsenal “should have lost” the game, keeping in mind Ramsdale’s late heroics. But for his opposite number Arteta, the outcome of the match was justified – even if Arsenal allowed their opponents to take over control.
Arteta told BBC Sport: “I imagine for the outside world it was a great game to watch. We started really well. Just before half-time we conceded and we gave Liverpool some momentum.
“We lost control and started to give a lot of balls away. The game became open. We needed resilience, we needed our keeper in the last moment. I think a draw is a fair result.
“The crowd got going. The goal gave them some hope. At 2-0 we had the game in our hands. That was our chance to kill the game. Then we made a mistake.
“We had to show our resilience and our luck at times.”
Arteta highlights ‘superb’ Ramsdale impact
Before offering some concluding thoughts, Arteta pointed out how important Ramsdale was for Arsenal.
The manager said: “He was superb again today. You need your goalkeeper at Anfield.
“It’s a shame after how we started.
“The big lesson is in the first half that they came here and played with that personality.”
Arsenal will next have to prepare themselves for a match away at West Ham next Sunday.