Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed pride in his team after their 1-0 defeat away to Liverpool, despite admitting they failed to convert key chances.
The match was decided by a stunning free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, which gave Liverpool the only goal of the game.
Both teams struggled to dominate proceedings and were left relying on isolated moments rather than consistent spells of pressure.
Speaking after the match to Sky Sports, Arteta praised the effort of his players and stressed that very little separated the two sides.
“Very proud of my players, I think both teams elevated the game to a level that there was no margins between the two and very little happens, a lot of action in many areas, not that much in the boxes.”
“It was going to be decided in two possible actions, an individual error or a magic moment and it was decided in a magic moment.”
Missed opportunities prove costly
While Liverpool celebrated their decisive moment of brilliance, Arsenal were left to regret the chances they failed to finish.
Arteta highlighted that his side created openings but did not make them count when it mattered most.
“Today, when we have three, four or five situations inside the box, one versus one, when Eze is completely through just to finish the action. You have to put those balls in the back of the net if you want to win the game.”
The manager underlined that turning those opportunities into goals is essential if they want to succeed in such tight contests.
His side carved out space in the final third but lacked the final touch that would have changed the outcome.
Arteta also explained that fine details often settle matches of this level, and that one decisive moment separated the teams on the day.
Arsenal were also dealt a scare when William Saliba went off, though the defender has since assured that he is not injured.
Arsenal now head into the international break after the loss, where players will have time to recover and reset.
Their next Premier League fixture will be at the Emirates Stadium, where they face Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners will aim to return stronger and sharper in front of goal, as they look to bounce back from the setback at Anfield.