Arteta: 'Arsenal got points thanks to the defense'
"The game was tense. We started very well, scoring two goals first. That's when Arsenal needed to finish the opponent. Before the break we gave them hope and from there, Liverpool regained their confidence. But half-time two, Arsenal lose the ball in too many dangerous areas and suffer the consequences," Arteta said at the post-match press conference.
The result 2-2 made Arsenal extend the winless streak at Anfield to 10 matches, and could not re-establish the eight-point gap with Man City. Although soon leading two goals thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, the "Gunners" let Mohamed Salah concede at the end of the first half. In the second half, Salah missed the penalty but Liverpool still retained a point thanks to Roberto Firmino's goal after an overwhelming performance.
According to Arteta, the passionate atmosphere at Anfield is one reason why Liverpool are always so strong when playing at home. He commended Jurgen Klopp's teachers and students and said that Arsenal had created outstanding balls in the defense, especially the position of Ramsdale, to leave with a point.
"You have to know how to take the game. We relied on moments of brilliance in defense when Aaron played a big part. Liverpool had four good chances in the second half and also missed penalties. Arsenal lacked the ruthlessness to end of the game. This is probably a fair result. The big lesson is that we need to practice more how to play like the first half, "Arteta said.
Praise Ramsdale, but Arteta also thinks that students need to learn and maintain stability like colleague Alisson Becker, because that is the quality of the goalkeeper of the championship team.
Speaking to the BBC, midfielder Martin Odegaard also paid tribute to Ramsdale, who was awarded the "Player of the Match" award. He said: "Liverpool created a lot of chances. Aaron Ramsdale played really well behind and saved us. Disappointed not to win but Arsenal need to accept a point and move forward. Against teams like Liverpool , you need to control the ball very well. If they lose the ball, they will rush to you with cheers from the audience."
