Mikel Arteta declared Arsenal “alive” in the Premier League title race but was left with mixed emotions after they dropped more points following a pulsating 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool.
The Gunners were without captain Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori, but Bukayo Saka returned to start and scored along with Mikel Merino in the first half to put them 2-1 up after Virgil van Dijk’s 18th-minute leveller.
However, Arteta was dealt further fitness blows as Gabriel Magalhaes limped off before Jurrien Timber had to be replaced and a makeshift back-four wilted as Mohamed Salah’s first-time finish after 81 minutes snatched a point for Arne Slot’s men.
“I’m very disappointed that we haven’t won the game today,” Arteta said.
“Very proud of the team, especially with the situation we are going through at the moment – probably you cannot imagine.
“I think in the first half it was total domination, we were really good, really dominant, really efficient and the result probably should have been bigger.
“Without conceding nothing basically, we gave two goals away. That’s the really frustrating part and that we couldn’t see the game out.”
The biggest winner was arguably Manchester City, who end the weekend back at the summit, a point clear of Liverpool and five ahead of Arsenal.
Man City stay top after Liverpool are held by Arsenal 🔢 pic.twitter.com/qW3f8ltnlj
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 27, 2024
Arteta, who was unsure of the severity of Gabriel and Timber’s injuries, acknowledged: “You don’t want to be in that position. You want to be five points ahead but this is where we are.
“The team is alive, the team wants it. I feel it every single day. The players that cannot play, they are upset that they are not playing. The ones getting injured, the ones that are there, they are in a good moment.
“Things will turn up and we are going to be in a better place, but we are certainly there.
“I see the team and I have no doubts. I think I told you three days before that we are going to be flying on Sunday and we started flying and were the better team by far.
“We needed to get the points today to make a reflection of where we are and where we want to be. We couldn’t do it but for sure we are there.”
Slot was happy despite Liverpool’s eight-match winning streak being halted in north London.
“Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team, then to get a point is pleasing to see,” he said.
“I know you guys like to talk about title contenders and where we are exactly in the league. That is also part of your job.
“The only thing I look at is can you get a result in a difficult away game as this one? The way we did it pleased me a lot.
“We’re only nine or 10 games into the season, but to see we can compete with such a strong Arsenal team, in their stadium, that is very pleasing to see.
Bukayo Saka now has 50 Premier League goals to his name 👏
Here are some of his very best! pic.twitter.com/RGswvcH5s2
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 27, 2024
“But where it exactly will lead towards the end of the season? I cannot tell you yet.”
Slot was not as impressed with Anthony Taylor’s decision to show him a second-half yellow card, but saw the funny side at full-time.
He added: “Last time (against Chelsea) I said I completely deserve the yellow card and this time I don’t think I did.
“After so many times they were on the floor, which can happen in football and I don’t blame them for that, but they always fell down after they had ball possession and it took the energy out of the game in my opinion.
“I said to Ibou (Ibrahima Konate), ‘this is a f****** joke’ and the fourth official thought I said to him, ‘you are a f****** joke’, so that is definitely not what I said. But I got a yellow and now I am on two, so I have to be careful.”
[(Leeds United) Strength]: 1. After relegation, Leeds United returned to the Premier League this season as the EFL Championship winners. The team significantly strengthened their squad during the summer transfer window, with the goal of staying in the Premier League this season. For their opening home game against Everton, they are determined to secure a winning start to the league, showing strong...
[(Elche) Strength]: 1. As the newly promoted team this season, Elche are motivated to start with a home win in their debut.2. In the summer window, Elche signed midfielder Federico Redondo, Real Madrid loan forward Alvaro Rodriguez, and Valencia CF striker German Valera.3. Elche finished 22 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses in the Segunda Division last season, smoothly being promoted as the 2nd-placed ...
Liverpool's asking price for Konate revealed amid Madrid interestAccording to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have informed all interested parties that they would demand a fee in the region of £35 million, amid strong interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the French centre-back since last month, when it was reported that Konate had refused to sign a new contract.K...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man Utd 0-1 Corner FC Man Utd vs Arsenal 1st half Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace Viktor Gyokeres Chelsea The most touches by any player in Premier League history Onana on the bench watching Bayindir… Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...Former Tottenham and Roma midfielder Erik Lamela says his hip problems has forced him into retirement.The Argentine, while contracted to Sevilla, announced his retirement last week at the age of 33 and last night took to social media to explain his decision.Lamela said: "I want to announce that I have made the decision to end my profes...
Brentford concern as Man Utd, Spurs join Liverpool in Collins battleBrentford face a battle to keep hold of captain Nathan Collins this month.The 24 year-old defender is attracting interest from the Premier League's biggest clubs before the September 1 deadline.The Daily Mail says Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting Collins as they seek a new centre-half addition.The Repub...
Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrateTitle challengers Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all made winning starts but in contrasting fashion on the first weekend of the Premier League season.Defending champions Liverpool needed late drama to beat Bournemouth on an emotional night at Anfield, City cruised to a 4-0 win at Wolves, while Arsenal fought a rearguard action to hold on t...
Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs PalaceChelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised new signing Estevao Willian after the Brazilian dazzled on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace. Introduced in the 54th minute for fellow recruit Jamie Gittens, he impressed Stamford Bridge with his speed and skillful play.Maresca has predicted that Willian will become an “important”...
BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder AlvarezWest Ham United are inviting offers for Edson Alvarez.The Mexico international has been transfer-listed by the Hammers as they seek to raise funds late in the summer window.TMW says West Ham boss Graham Potter has approved Alvarez's sale as he sees the Mexico captain as surplus to requirements.Despite Potter's opinion, Alvarez is attr...
Man Utd winger Sancho stalling Roma moveManchester United winger Jadon Sancho must accept a drastic pay-cut to complete a move to AS Roma.United and Roma have reached agreement over a fee for the England international. However, local media sources say the move is stalling due to Sancho's reluctance to accept Roma's current contract offer.United have accepted an offer of €23m from Roma for Sa...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 Hummels snubs son for match with new model girlfriend
- 4 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 5 Agent of Real Madrid defender David Alaba responds to Saudi Pro League transfer speculation as Spanish giants ponder selling 33-year-old after injury woes
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 8 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 9 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 10 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss