Arteta Criticizes Arsenal’s Performance Despite Draw
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called his team’s performance against Liverpool “unacceptable”, despite having come back from 2-0 down to secure a crucial draw at Anfield.
The week has been complicated for Arsenal, following their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the middle of the week. The disappointment of Wednesday’s European elimination was evident against Liverpool on Sunday.
Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz’s goals in the first half left Arsenal with a difficult task in the second half.
The visitors reacted well and managed to equalize after the break with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, before the latter was sent off for a second yellow card with 11 minutes remaining. However, Arteta did not hold back in assessing his team’s performance after the match.
What we did in the first part is nowhere near the level, so doing it afterwards is not acceptable. We reacted, great, but it’s unacceptable. You don’t have to fight for the trophies and then you can win or lose them. That’s the level you need.
Mikel Arteta
Arteta added that nobody can assure victory, but that the team must aim for the highest. He also pointed out that the team has played with ten men on six occasions this season.
The result leaves Arsenal in second position in the table with two matches to play. The Gunners will host Newcastle United at the Emirates next week before traveling to already relegated Southampton on the final matchday.
