Mikel Arteta was not happy with his side's performance against Liverpool Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal's first-half performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool as "unacceptable". The Gunners went two goals down after conceding twice in as many first-half minutes at Anfield. For the opener, they were caught unaware as the hosts took a quick throw-in with Andy Robertson then crossing for Cody Gakpo to head in. But Arteta's side fought back in the second half with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino to gain a point which they held on to despite Merino being sent off for a second booking. "What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level so to do it after that [fight back] is not acceptable. We reacted, great but it is unacceptable." Arteta said speaking to Sky Sports after the game. Arteta was then asked in his post-match press conference by BBC Sport what part of his side's performance was unacceptable. "A lot of parts, especially the defending standards and the errors after we gave the ball away, which is totally prohibited against this team," he said. "We were very far off it. I was really upset. Yeah, we had a reaction but I hate reaction, I like action. "If we want to be there winning trophies, there is going to be a moment where you win it or you don't. If you don't, you have to play another one when you have been working for nine months. That is here, today. "If you cannot win it, you have to be the best of the rest. I was really, really upset." Arsenal were without England international Declan Rice who was ruled out through injury while Jurrien Timber, although named on the bench, was not fit enough to feature. "We missed half of the team again and you can still [come back] from 2-0 at Anfield," Arteta said. "We played the way we played, came back and maybe should have won it, and at the end maybe lost it with something that was in our hands. "If we want to really win it, the consistency level [has to be there] for 95 minutes. I don't like to talk about the players that are not here and excuses. I am disappointed." Arsenal have now won just one of their last six Premier League matches and need to pick up points across their final two fixtures to secure second place. Two points are also needed to be certain of a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. After missing out on the title to Manchester City by two points last season, the Gunners are 15 points adrift of champions Liverpool this time. Having reached 84 points in 2022-23 and 89 points in 2023-24, Arsenal will end this campaign with a maximum of 74 points. Arteta admitted earlier this week that his side have gone backwards in the league. "I have full trust in all my players and we have full clarity in what we want to do," Arteta added. "It will be a tough game [against Newcastle] and we want to secure the Champions League and the second spot as well. It is a big opportunity. "If you cannot be the best, then you have to be the best of the rest. "That is very important. Again today we played with 10 men, half of our team injured, and some of them playing when they should not, and still we performed in a way we have done for seven or eight months. "That is what we have to demand from ourselves."
Arsenal first-half performance unacceptable - Arteta
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mikel Arteta Criticizes Arsenal's First-Half Display in Draw Against Liverpool"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his discontent with the team's first-half performance during their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, labeling it as "unacceptable." The Gunners found themselves in a precarious position early in the match, conceding two goals within just two minutes at Anfield. The first goal came from a quick throw-in that caught Arsenal off guard, allowing Andy Robertson to deliver a cross for Cody Gakpo to head in. Despite this rocky start, Arsenal demonstrated resilience in the second half, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino that ultimately salvaged a point for the team. However, Merino's late red card for a second booking added to the tension as Arsenal fought to maintain their draw. Arteta highlighted the need for improvement, particularly in defensive standards and ball possession, emphasizing that such errors are unacceptable against top teams like Liverpool.
Arteta also pointed out that the absence of key players, including England international Declan Rice due to injury, played a role in the team's struggles. Yet, he noted that even with a depleted squad, the performance needed to be more consistent to compete effectively. Arsenal's current form has seen them win only one of their last six Premier League matches, raising concerns about their chances of finishing in the top positions. The manager reiterated his commitment to the team's goals, stating, "If you cannot win it, you have to be the best of the rest," and stressed the importance of securing a top-five finish for Champions League qualification. As the season draws to a close, Arteta remains optimistic about his players' abilities to bounce back and perform at the level required to achieve their objectives, despite acknowledging the setbacks they have faced throughout the campaign.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Mikel Arteta's strong criticism of Arsenal's performance in their recent match against Liverpool highlights the challenges the team faces this season. The article reveals a mixture of disappointment and determination from the coach, emphasizing the need for improvement in consistency and defensive standards. This response is crucial not just for the team's morale but also for their aspirations in competitive football.
Performance Analysis
Arteta’s comments reflect a deep concern over the team's defensive capabilities, especially after conceding two quick goals. The quick throw-in that led to Liverpool's first goal indicates a lack of awareness and preparation from the Arsenal players. The coach's emphasis on unacceptable performance suggests that he expects a higher standard from his players, which is essential for competing with top teams like Liverpool.
Team Dynamics
The absence of key players like Declan Rice due to injury underscores the vulnerabilities within the squad. Arteta’s acknowledgment that they missed "half of the team" indicates that while injuries impact performance, the expectation remains for the squad to adapt and still perform competitively. This sentiment may resonate with the fanbase that hopes for resilience and depth in the squad.
Public Sentiment and Expectations
Arteta's frustration with the need for a reaction rather than consistent action speaks to the psychological aspect of the team's approach. Fans and analysts may interpret his words as a call for a more proactive mindset, which could influence public sentiment around the team’s future performances. The expectation is that the team must learn from this experience to avoid similar pitfalls in crucial matches.
Impact on Future Matches
The discussion of consistency over 95 minutes is a critical point. Failure to maintain performance levels throughout matches can lead to dropped points, which are detrimental in a competitive league. If Arsenal struggles to establish a consistent level of play, it could jeopardize their standing in the league and their chances for silverware.
Broader Implications
This article is likely aimed at rallying support from the fanbase while also setting a serious tone about the team's current state. Arteta’s passionate remarks could galvanize fans to push for improvements, thereby enhancing the team's home support in future games. On a broader level, there may be implications for player transfers or tactics as the season progresses, depending on how the team adapts to Arteta’s demands.
Market Reactions
While this specific news may not directly influence stock prices, it could affect the sentiment surrounding Arsenal as a brand. Positive performances can lead to increased merchandise sales and ticket sales, while negative results can have the opposite effect. The financial health of clubs in the Premier League is often sensitive to performance, making such statements from coaches significant for overall market perception.
Arteta’s critique is firmly rooted in a desire for improvement, reflecting an understanding of the club's ambitions. However, it also signifies the pressure that comes with managing a top-tier football club, where expectations are high.