Mikel Arteta says Liverpool are dominant and hints at discontent after draw with Arsenal

Mikel Arteta reacts to his Arsenal side having to settle for a 2-2 home draw with Premier League title rivals Liverpool

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager/head coach, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Atkins/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta was as animated as ever during his Arsenal team’s 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool.(Image: Mark Atkins/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal were ‘better’ than Liverpool in their game Premier League draw on sunday. But the Gunners manager has struggled to contain his anger at what he believes are a number of decisions taken against his side.

The Reds came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at the Emirates with Mohamed Salah equalizing with nine minutes remaining.

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Arsenal, who had complained of injuries in recent weeks and finished the game without three of their main defenders, built up a first-half lead but were pushed back after the break. Liverpool much improved.

And with his side four points behind the second-placed Reds, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “I’m very disappointed we didn’t win the game today. We were better but (we didn’t win) because we We didn’t win two things we should have been better at.

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“I’m very proud of the team, especially the situation we’re going through right now (with injuries) that you couldn’t even imagine.

“The first half was completely dominated, we were very, very good, very sharp, very effective, really decisive.

“The gap should have been greater. Without conceding anything, we gave up two goals. It’s a pity that we couldn’t reach the end of the game.

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“We had five injuries in the back line and we had to adapt to that. The courage with which the players played was incredible. We need to keep going.

“We had some big individual performances today.”

Arteta was asked about a number of incidents that have left Arsenal unhappy and gave suggestions Virgil van Dijk could have been sent off after an early tussle with Kai Havertz, while the striker was given a goal towards the end and referee Anthony Taylor had long since called a foul.

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But the former Everton The midfielder’s response to each incident was: “I prefer not to comment” until he was stopped for a disallowed goal, at which point he added: “They didn’t tell me anything. I am sure that after this we will have clarity or a letter.”