Anfield continues to be a challenging venue for Mikel Arteta, who once again found himself lamenting his Arsenal side's performance against Liverpool.
Despite the outcome having no impact on the Premier League title chase, the 43-year-old was left exasperated by his team's showing on Merseyside. Even though the Gunners managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw at Anfield, Arteta was far from pleased.
Arsenal shot themselves in the foot by conceding two goals within two minutes, with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz both finding the back of the net in quick succession in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli sparked hope after the restart, reducing the deficit before Mikel Merino stepped up to score another goal, salvaging a point for the Gunners.
However, this did little to soothe Arteta's ire, as he was dissatisfied with the first-half display. His discontent was evident in his post-match press conference, where he didn't hold back in criticising his players.
It's not the first time the Spanish manager has been seen venting his frustrations on the touchline and in the press room at Anfield. Supporters of both sides will be able to recall the fiery exchange between him and Jurgen Klopp in 2021.
When Sadio Mane brought down Takehiro Tomiyasu with a late tackle, Arteta and his coaching staff leapt from their seats to berate the referee. Klopp, displeased with their vehement reaction, marched over and shouted at Arteta, who attempted to confront the German head-on.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta clashes with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on November 20, 2021 in Liverpool, England
Arteta's temper boiled over at Anfield in 2021 (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta was restrained by his own staff, while Liverpool supporters laughed and whistled at the ex-Everton midfielder. Arsenal were unable to contain Liverpool's attacking prowess, ultimately succumbing to a 4-0 defeat with goals from Mane, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Takumi Minamino.
Post-match, Klopp commended the referee's handling of a heated moment and criticised Arteta's reaction. The German said: "The referee did really well in that situation – I deserved a yellow card.
"It's no problem at all. But it was really about that thing. If it was a harsh challenge we are all like this, but it was nothing, he didn't even touch him, it was just two players going up in the air. And [Arteta's reaction] was not okay and that is what I said."
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) and Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (centre left) are booked by English referee Michael Oliver after a clash on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 20, 2021
Klopp and Arteta were both shown a yellow card (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Arteta, on the other hand, refrained from escalating the issue, bluntly replying: "Nothing. I think he was defending his team and I was defending my team. That's it."
Despite not showing his frustration as visibly, Arteta's displeasure with Arsenal's performance at Anfield was palpable. Reflecting on the Gunners' defensive lapses, a scathing Arteta said: "There were a lot of parts, especially defending the standards that we have and the errors after we gave the ball away.
"Very far off it. Really upset, yeah we had a reaction. I hate reaction I like action. I was really really upset. What I saw in the first 25 minutes, 35 minutes. Some of the actions... I was killing myself."
Arteta will undoubtedly be seeking a response from his squad next year. Despite Manchester City's early-season stumble, Arsenal's title challenge dwindled.
Liverpool clinched the trophy with four matches remaining. Even if Arsenal triumph in their last two games of the season, they'll end this term 15 points adrift compared to their previous campaign.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.