Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could only draw 0-0 with Everton as Liverpool dropped points at home to Fulham
Sport
Comments
Mikel Arteta before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024
(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta said he had no knowledge of the Liverpool scoreline as he gave his half-time teamtalk at the Emirates. Arsenal’s title rivals went into the break at Anfield trailing Fulham by a goal and down to 10 men after Andy Robertson was shown an early red card.
The scoreline presented a glorious opportunity for Arsenal to close the gap on Liverpool after his side dominated the opening stages against Everton but dropped their intensity as the half went on despite being urged on by home supporters clearly aware of the situation playing out on Merseyside.
Asked whether the players were told of the developments at Liverpool during the break, Arteta said: “I do not know. I wasn’t.”
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Ryan Gravenberch and one other brilliant as battling draw with FulhamREAD MORE: Fulham left terrified as Liverpool get major title boost that took just six minutes to arrive
His side started the second half strongly, forcing Jordan Pickford into a string of good saves. They received another outburst of support when Fulham restored their lead - but it was all to no avail as Everton frustrated Arsenal with a resilient display to earn a valuable point.
Asked whether, given Liverpool also drew, he was disappointed to drop points, Arteta heaped praise on the Blues and added: “I am very disappointed because when you do what we have done today against the, you have to win the game. At the end this is football and the hardest thing is those last 20, 25 metres to do what we have to do.
“Credit to them and how they dropped short, to Pickford and the saves that he made and to the way they defended and desire they defended with. But, honestly, it is difficult to ask something else of the team. Individually, could we do a little bit better with a little more quality, find a magic moment if it is necessary, yes, but that is not easy.”