Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has deemed his side’s performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool as unacceptable, despite coming back from two goals down to secure the result.
The Gunners were expected to bounce back from the midweek’s UCL elimination at the hands of French champions PSG, although they could only secure a valuable draw away at Anfield.
Story of the match:
Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz scored twice in the space of 87 seconds, as the Premier League champions took a 2-0 lead in the first half.
Arsenal were off the blocks early in the second half and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli scored from a Leandro Trossard cross to half the deficit.
Mikel Merino leveled the scores later on from a rebound, after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had parried Martin Odegaard’s shot onto the crossbar.
Click here: Rashford keen on Barcelona move
Merino went from hero to villain moments later when he was sent off for a second bookable offense, before Andy Robertson had a goal ruled out for a foul by Ibrahima Konate.
What Arteta said
“What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level so to do it after that is not acceptable,” he told Sky Sports. “We reacted, great but it is unacceptable. You don’t have to be fighting for trophies and then you might win or lose it. That’s the level you need.
Check this: Arteta calls Arsenal best team in UCL
No-one can promise you win. You’re going to have six, seven teams who pray to be in the Champions League next year and then you see. The action that we had after 20, 25 minutes. When the team plays like this, that’s on me”, Arteta continued.
The Spaniard expressed unhappiness with the performance believing his side could have done more this season, as they are set to end trophyless once more.
“It’s not about the players. It’s about we. No-one accepts those standards. It has to hurt a lot. Six times we played with 10 men this season. Look at what we can do when we are there.”
What next for Arsenal?
The Gunners are second on the standings, and will host third-placed Newcastle United next week before facing relegated Southampton on the final day of the season.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
One Response