Arteta: That was super intense
ARSENAL showed the resilience of champions as they left title rivals Liverpool with the point they needed to be the Premier League’s Christmas No1.
Mikel Arteta’s side were also top a year ago before falling away to finish runners-up to Manchester City, but the Spaniard believes this time could be different after surviving a hostile test at Anfield.
‘It was an unbelievable game. One of the most intense I’ve seen in 20 years,’ said the Gunners boss. ‘For the players to show the courage and determination, it is a big credit to them.
‘It shows a lot of consistency for this group to do it for two years. We are where we want to be in the league right now. We will have a beautiful family Christmas.
‘In the last 20 minutes, we were willing to win it. If we have to improve anywhere it’s killing games with the dominance we have.’
The Kop was rocking after Jurgen Klopp’s gee-up for more noise and the roof nearly came off when Mo Salah cancelled out Gabriel’s early header.
Liverpool were denied a penalty when Martin Odegaard handled and Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the crossbar following a five-man breakaway, but Arsenal dug in to move a point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa at the top.
Last season, Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at Anfield in April to put the death knell on their title ambitions, but Liverpool boss Klopp is certain the Gunners are genuine contenders. ‘Oh my God, how strong are they?’ he exclaimed.
‘We could have won, maybe should have won. Trent hitting the crossbar should have been a goal. It was two really good football teams. Super intense.’
Klopp felt VAR should have instructed referee Chris
Kavanagh to review his monitor in the first half when Odegaard fell onto the ball with his hand and Salah standing next to him appealed.
‘The penalty situation is weird. I don’t know if the ref can see it, but you look at it and I’m not sure how it’s not a penalty,’ he said.
Klopp was also sent tumbling at one point by Kostas Tsimikas, who fell into him after being challenged by Bukayo Saka. It was later confirmed that Tsimikas has broken a collarbone.