Arteta Slams “Unacceptable” Arsenal Display
Arteta Furious with Arsenal's First-Half Performance
- Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal's first-half performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool
- The Gunners conceded two goals in quick succession in the first half
- Arteta elaborated on what he found unacceptable
Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal’s first-half performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool as “unacceptable”.
The Gunners conceded two goals in quick succession in the first half at Anfield. The first goal came after Liverpool took a quick throw-in, with Andy Robertson crossing for Cody Gakpo to score with a header.
But Arteta’s side rallied in the second half, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino securing a point, despite Merino’s late sending off.
“What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level so to do it after that [fight back] is not acceptable. We reacted, great but it is unacceptable.” Arteta told Sky Sports after the game.
In his post-match press conference with BBC Sport, Arteta elaborated on what he found unacceptable: “A lot of parts, especially the defending standards and the errors after we gave the ball away, which is totally prohibited against this team,” he said.
“We were very far off it. I was really upset. Yeah, we had a reaction but I hate reaction, I like action.
“If we want to be there winning trophies, there is going to be a moment where you win it or you don’t. If you don’t, you have to play another one when you have been working for nine months. That is here, today.
“If you cannot win it, you have to be the best of the rest. I was really, really upset.”
