Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday as “one of the most intense games in decades,” as the north Londoners’ lengthy quest for a league win at Anfield continued.
Gabriel’s early headed goal gave Arsenal hope of a first league victory at Liverpool since 2012, but Mohammed Salah equalized before halftime.
Arteta’s team ended well but were unable to force a winner, leaving them with a one-point advantage over Liverpool and Aston Villa at the top of the league.
Prior to the game, the Spaniard remarked that playing at Anfield was like being in a washing machine and that he would not be disappointed in a high-octane tussle.
“An unbelievable game of football, one of the most intense I’ve witnessed in 20 years in this league,” Arteta said in a statement.
“We were on top for many moments, and in the last 20 minutes we wanted it more, but a draw is a fair result.”
“To see our boys have the courage and belief to play like we have done here I think our players deserve big, big credit.”
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp lavished plaudits on Arsenal, but Arteta said Liverpool wreaked havoc.
“We were determined to attack and cause problems for them.” They are a squad that creates havoc because they are so vertical and direct. “They are the best in the world at it,” Arteta said.
“It was an unbelievable game of football with two teams that raised the bar to another level.”
Arsenal will spend Christmas Day on top for the second year in a row, albeit they might be knocked from their perch before their next game on Thursday.
Both Liverpool and Aston Villa, who are one point behind, play on Tuesday.
“I’m glad we’re where we are. “We have a lovely dinner with our families tomorrow, then it’s back to work,” Arteta remarked.
While Arsenal have won five of their previous seven league games, Arteta believes they must improve if they are to maintain their lead in the championship race.
“Of course, there are some things we need to work on.” “Especially murder games,” he remarked.
“The outcomes have sometimes been too close. Despite the absence of five major players, we maintained a high level of performance. That is something we must retain.”
Liverpool paid the price for their point as left defender Kostas Tsimikas suffered a probable fractured collarbone. Klopp was also irritated that his team was not given a penalty after an apparent handball by Martin Odegaard.
“I am pretty sure someone will come to explain it to me why it was not a handball but I don’t know how?,” Klopp was quoted as saying.
“I’m not saying the ref can see it because I don’t know where he was at the time.” But how can a man in an office watch that and not conclude that maybe, maybe it’s worth the referee taking another look?”