Andoni Iraola was frustrated by Liverpool being unable to force a goal past Arsenal at Anfield, with Mikel Arteta's side winning thanks to Kai Havertz's early strike
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola said that Liverpool was made to "regret" the opening quarter of an hour of his side's defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, with Kai Havertz netting the only goal of the game.
Opening the scoring in the 16th minute, Havertz set the Gunners on their way to a first win at Anfield since September 2012. While Liverpool had more of the ball, it never looked that likely to force it over the line and past David Raya.
"Disappointing for us," Iraola told BBC Radio 5Live. "We definitely deserved to score but we weren't able. We regret the first 15 minutes until we conceded the goal but I loved (what happened) after.
"We changed a little bit by being more brave and aggressive and we put them under pressure. We had some chances that we haven't finished properly. Also, they have been good defensively."
On another day, Liverpool could have been awarded a penalty for a pull back on Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke was slightly fortunate to avoid being sent off.
"I think the Isak penalty was very clear," Iraola added. "Everyone sees how they grab the shirt. I don't understand.
Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber during Liverpool vs Arsenal.
Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber during Liverpool vs Arsenal.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"I think it's because he doesn't dive. The shame is that we have to tell our players to dive. It is so clear and it is a great chance for us.
"I've just seen one replay (of the potential red card). I think a red card has to be more clear movement. But it didn't look like a clear red card, no.
"There are a lot of positives but it's not enough against these teams. We had very good situations inside the box that we haven't finished properly but I value how we played after the 1-0 a lot."
Liverpool will take on Crystal Palace in its final Premier League game before the November international break. It has Fenerbahce away in the Champions League before then.
Content Image
Content Image
"This was especially for everyone attached to this football club," Arteta said. "Fourteen years without winning here is a long time.
"We just said after the last few days, after the defeat against Fleetwood, that things happen for a reason and that's going to give us another spring and hunger and belief to go and do it. What the team has done here today is incredible."
Liverpool.com says: Arsenal defended very well, but the Reds had to do more, with the players they had on the field, to break them down. The Gunners ground out a victory away from home in a tough stadium, exactly as you would expect as title favorites.