Mikel Arteta said his side lost the games against City and Liverpool at the Emirate due to indiscipline and poor marksmanship in the boxes
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has admitted that the difference between his side and Liverpool is their predatory instinct in the penalty areas.
The Reds defeated the Gunners 2-0 on Wednesday night in a Premier League game, courtesy of goals from Diogo Jota and substitute Roberto Firmino in a space of eight minutes in the second half.
Liverpool after the win went within one point of league leaders, Manchester City – but were second best for large periods of the first half.
Odegard missed a glorious chance presented by Thiago in the early part of the second half and before Aaron Ramsdale was beaten at his near post by Jota moments after.
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Although the home side were restricted to just two shots on target during the game, Mikel Arteta has insisted the difference between the teams was their qualities in the boxes.
Absolutely,” he said. “I don’t think the result reflects the performance of the team. From box to box I think in many moments we were the better team and did everything we planned.
“I’m pleased with how the team has performed, I understand how difficult it is to play against this incredible team and how we have exposed them is not easy at all.
“The way the boys performed showed their courage to play the way we wanted to play, the intensity, they really raised their level. But unfortunately, games are won in boxes and that was the obvious difference.
“I don’t think there was any other difference in the game apart from that. We have closed the gap a lot (on Liverpool) but it wasn’t enough because we opened the door and they went through the door.
“I’m not happy with the goals we conceded. When you have the chances against them you have to get something out of it.”
Arteta went on to say his team is catching up with the top two teams, as shown by the Premier League games against them at the Emirate.
He also said they deserved more than what they got in the two games, saying indiscipline and not being ruthless in the boxes caused them the two games.
“The players are hurting. Now it’s about how the players are going to react.
“They were down because they know how well they played. Now we have lost two games against (Manchester) City and Liverpool, and when you are toe-to-toe with those teams you deserve more, but the reality is we didn’t get that.
“Against City discipline was a problem, but those boxes make the difference. There are still details and margins the top teams are going to manage and today they (Liverpool) did that.” he further said.