Matchweek 21 of the Premier League saw Arsenal play out a 0-0 home draw with Liverpool. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attended the post-match press conference following the 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
Q: What are your thoughts on this game?
A: Well, obviously, we wanted to win this game. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that. In the first half, we created a lot of chances, had plenty of space, and were a step closer to victory.
Normally, if we can find someone in the penalty area, we can score. We had more dominance in the second half. There are two main reasons why we struggled to fully control the game.
First, we gave away some completely unnecessary balls, which is very unusual and prevented us from advancing as a unit. Once we lose the ball, the shape becomes loose, and the opponents start to drop deep and launch attacks from midfield. Clearly, even though they had possession, they posed no threat in the penalty area—because it seems they didn’t have a single on-target shot tonight.
All in all, it was hard for us to control the game and create threats in the penalty area.
Q: You mentioned some passes in the first half that should have been played but weren’t capitalized on. Is this a passing issue or a movement issue?
A: The movement is fine, the support is there, and the players are on the pitch.
Two or three players came over; we needed to occupy some spaces we didn’t take to score. But in many other cases, the chances were there. Against Villa, we did this extremely well, and every time we do that, we win those big games.
Today, we missed the opportunities. But even so, we at least maintained high discipline and didn’t concede any goals.
Q: You’ve had a great season so far, leading the table by 6 points. Does tonight’s dropped points make you feel like you missed an opportunity?
A: Yes, you feel that way every time you don’t win. But if we had won, we could have been 12, 15, or even 20 points ahead. I have to genuinely praise the team, praise every player for their performances over the Christmas period.
Because the schedule and the intensity of the games are incredible. And what they’ve achieved is, I think, absolutely fantastic. So, to still be in such a strong position after going through so many difficulties, I think the lads deserve praise from me and everyone.
Q: Some fans are a bit frustrated because you didn’t win. What do you want to say to them? You’re still 6 points ahead.
A: Now we move forward. Thank you again for the atmosphere, thank you for your constant support. That’s it. We’re in a very good position, and we have to keep working hard because the season is still early, and we need your support.
Q: Martinelli has received a lot of criticism.A: I’ve heard that.
Q: He pushed really hard, Mikel. What’s your take on this incident?A: Anyone who knows Gabi (Martinelli) knows he’s a really great, lovely person. He probably didn’t realise what was happening.
I hope Bradley is okay. I’ll talk to him right now to check the situation, but he probably didn’t realise what was going on either.
Q: It feels like every point is hard-fought, like a battle. How much effort does it take to get every point in a league of this caliber?
A: I felt that way back in August, and I think all of us did. Every manager, every player, every team. Because that’s the level of this league, and you can see how difficult it is.
Q: Does that change your view of your team or how they approach this?
A: I’m extremely proud. I feel very proud because I know how hard this is and what they’re doing. I recognize their efforts—it’s truly incredible.
Q: In the first half, you did create some chances. Obviously, several crosses were played to the wings. It seems Crysencio Summerville didn’t make active runs to meet the crosses. You often talk about the team needing to adjust. Why couldn’t he capitalize on most of the chances?
A: His positioning is good. Sometimes the ball just didn’t reach him. Like I said, that’s how it was at the time.
Normally, we play the ball into the front of the penalty area, and I can almost get on the end of it. Normally, that should result in a goal. You find the right person, then you score.
But we didn’t do that. That’s what we need to improve on today. Except for the good work we did in the second half, the first half performance might not have been at our usual level.
Q: If you had to pick one thing you’re most pleased about, what would it be?
A: My players’ hunger to win and their consistency. Given the schedule ahead and the situations we need to handle, their performance is excellent. We want to keep improving and learning.
Every game is a learning opportunity. Tonight is no exception, especially against the defending champions. We can’t forget that.
They’re a very strong team. Today, we need to reflect well. Tomorrow, we’ll keep working hard because there’s another game on Sunday.
