Arsenal displayed determination and resilience as they came from two goals behind to share the points with Premier League champions Liverpool 2-2 at Anfield. The exciting comeback, however, notwithstanding, the boss Mikel Arteta was regretful to witness his team start slowly.
The performance takes the Gunners one step closer to a top-five finish, yet Arteta’s reaction after the game was centered on the bigger picture of their sluggish beginning to games—most notably against top-level sides. While the draw highlighted Arsenal’s resilience, Arteta emphasized that the team must raise their standards to seriously challenge for trophies next season.
Arteta Disappointed by Arsenal’s Slow Start
Liverpool began the game effectively and with intention, taking advantage of defensive blips to get two goals in rapid succession through Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. The home team dominated the game within the opening 20 minutes as Arsenal played disjointedly and left themselves open. Arteta then clarified that this period of play was “nowhere near the level” of that which his players had been capable.
Instead of dwelling on the outcome, the Arsenal manager was eager to comment on the performance. He intimated that being able to come back from being behind is not a long-term policy, particularly for a team that has ambitions of winning championships. In his opinion, the best teams need to be dominant from the beginning, instead of having to respond to adversity.
He also emphasized the importance of the fundamentals—like defending set-pieces, holding shape, and keeping cool—under such intense atmospheres. Arteta added that when these fundamentals are not there, teams expose themselves, especially against quality teams like Liverpool.
Furthermore, the Spaniard also brought up a recurring problem which had haunted Arsenal season long: discipline. He claimed that losing six matches with ten men deprived the team of crucial points and consistency. He made it clear that such problems must be sort out if Arsenal ever hope to fight for the title in future seasons.
Martinelli Praises Arsenal’s Mentality
Brazilian striker Martinelli, having netted early in the second half, was lavish with praise over the attitude and personality of the team. He said that despite the untimely exit from the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain only a few days ago, Arsenal went into the match against Liverpool with determination and confidence.
Martinelli accepted the challenge of hosting Liverpool, who played with speed and an attack-minded philosophy. He admired how Arsenal regrouped after the break, cleaned up their play, and executed the plan effectively. While Martinelli conceded the first half was substandard, he was content with the way the team played in the second half and maintained the focus now is to end the season strongly in the Premier League.
2 – Liverpool have failed to win a Premier League game at Anfield despite holding a 2+ goal lead at half-time for only the third time, after 2-2 draws with Leicester City in January 2015 and Newcastle United in April 2016. Complacency. pic.twitter.com/kBZPLUF5Py
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 11, 2025
Arteta will now be trying to get consistency into the last few games, aware that solid performances can roll over into next season. With a summer of changes coming to the squad in prospect, not least the near-future arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and exits of experienced heads such as Jorginho, the club is currently quietly re-shaping.
If they are to succeed next term, then Arsenal need to take the lessons of games like today’s—where moments of brilliance were all but destroyed by first-half sloppiness. For Arteta, it is the challenge of raising the bar higher, of asking more from the players, and of making sure next term that they are on the ground running from minute one.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Recommended for you