Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are in a strong position after festive fixtures, despite a 0-0 draw with Liverpool that ended their winning run.
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted his team is in a strong position despite a missed opportunity in a 0-0 home draw with Liverpool.
The result ended Arsenal’s run of five consecutive Premier League victories but still left them six points clear at the top.
“Yes, every time you don’t win (it is a missed opportunity),” said Arteta. “I have to really praise the team for what they have done in this Christmas period.”
He credited his squad for navigating a difficult schedule with various issues, concluding they are in a “really strong position” and must “go again”.
Defending champions Liverpool remain 14 points behind the leaders but kept a second clean sheet against Arsenal this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick decided the reverse fixture at Anfield in August, with both meetings this season lacking clear-cut chances.
Liverpool are now unbeaten in 10 games, though five of those are draws, leaving them fourth in the table.
Manager Arne Slot was frustrated by his team’s familiar lack of cutting edge despite dominating second-half possession at the Emirates.
“From all that ball possession you are hoping for more chance creation,” said Slot.
He acknowledged his side can control games but struggles with set-pieces and the final pass, stating they are “still not at the level of some other teams”. (AFP)
