Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his side’s tactical approach following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, insisting the Gunners set out to win rather than simply frustrate their opponents.
A stunning 32-yard free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai ultimately separated the two Premier League title contenders in a tense encounter, leaving Arsenal to rue missed opportunities and the absence of several key players.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta rejected criticism that his team had been overly cautious.
“We didn’t do our game plan to frustrate them; we did it to win it. I think we elevated the game and the dominance to a point that they had to raise it,” he said. “They did, especially from the 60th to the 78th minute, when there were no margins in the game. That’s when matches are decided, either by an error or a moment of magic. Szoboszlai produced an incredible moment, and that was the difference.”
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Arsenal’s evening was further complicated by the late withdrawal of defender William Saliba, who twisted his ankle during the warm-up. Summer signing Mosquera was drafted in for his Premier League debut, and Arteta praised the youngster’s display: “Thank God we had Mosquera. To make your debut at Anfield is not easy, but I think he was really, really good.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Spaniard also addressed criticism of his midfield setup, which some analysts deemed too conservative. With Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz unavailable, Arteta praised Mikel Merino’s contribution and defended Declan Rice’s deeper role.
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“That’s what we had. Martin was injured, Kai couldn’t play. Merino is incredible with what he did there. We played with three attacking players, two attacking full-backs, it’s too easy to say after the game that it wasn’t attacking enough. With Rice, we believed it was the best position to exploit the way Liverpool pressed.”
Arteta admitted Arsenal lost control during a spell in the second half but stressed that dominating at Anfield is almost impossible.
“Because this is Anfield. At some point, it’s going to change. You cannot dominate here for 95 minutes. We started to rush things, and our turnovers weren’t managed well enough.”
Despite the setback, Arteta maintained his belief in Arsenal’s ability to challenge for the title. The Gunners now face the task of regrouping as they manage early-season injuries.
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