“I want to give credit to Liverpool” – Mikel Arteta praises Andoni Iraola’s side

“I want to give credit to Liverpool” – Mikel Arteta praises Andoni Iraola’s side Mikel Arteta Praises Liverpool and Andoni Iraola After Historic Arsenal Victory Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Liverpool and Andoni Iraola after Arsenal secured a significant 1-0 victory at Anfield, ending a 14-year wait for a Premier League win at the ground. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table, producing an impressive defensive performance against a Liverpool side that had arrived in encouraging form. For Arteta, the result carried particular significance following Arsenal’s unexpected Carabao Cup elimination against Fleetwood Town just days earlier. Mikel Arteta Recognises Liverpool’s Quality Under Iraola Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta acknowledged the challenge presented by Liverpool under their new head coach. “I want to give credit to Liverpool, the manner that they played, the way they are set up,” he said. “To Andoni and what they’re doing because they are a top side, and it’s very difficult. “That’s why I think winning here deserves even more credit. I didn’t know about that stat, but that’s incredible. Photo: IMAGO The statistic in question was particularly striking. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in a Premier League home fixture for the first time since Opta began recording such data in 2003. It was an extraordinary achievement for Arsenal, particularly considering Liverpool’s attacking quality and the pressure they applied throughout the contest. Arsenal Defensive Discipline Frustrates Liverpool Arteta explained how Arsenal’s organisation prevented Liverpool from creating clear shooting opportunities, despite the hosts enjoying promising spells of possession. “It didn’t feel like this to be fair on the pitch because there were very little margins sometimes when they had the opportunity to shoot, and it’s a team that shoots a lot. So you have to be so good at blocking shots and preventing those spaces for them to get into there. “I’s our commitment of every single player in every action consistently to deliver those kind of stats and to do it against this team. It’s something remarkable, I would say.” Arsenal’s defensive structure proved decisive, with their ability to close spaces and restrict shooting angles repeatedly frustrating Iraola’s players. For Liverpool, the performance highlighted an area requiring attention as their new manager continues developing his tactical approach. Arteta Reflects on Arsenal’s Long Wait at Anfield Arteta also reflected on the emotional significance of finally securing three points at a ground where Arsenal have experienced considerable frustration. “It feels better (to win here) as a manager because it’s been such a long time without having this feeling here that we really needed it. “We are extremely proud of what the team, the players, everybody has done, and especially in the conditions that we arrived to this game. Where we were after the defeat against Fleetwood, it looks like the end of the world. It looks like: ‘Yeah, what are we doing?’ “And then you have to pick yourself up. Understand that this is the beautiful part of this game: that when you believe that you have done everything and deserve to win the game clearly, you are out of a cup. “And then four days later, you have to come to Anfield, against this manager, against this team that are in a really good moment and compete, perform, and earn the right to win the game in the manner that we’ve done.” Liverpool Penalty Controversy Draws Arteta Response The encounter also featured controversy surrounding Liverpool’s unsuccessful penalty appeals. Iraola believed Alexander Isak had been fouled inside the Arsenal penalty area following an apparent pull, although the officials allowed play to continue. Asked about the incident, Arteta declined to offer a definitive assessment. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen it,” he said. “I will have to comment on a lot of actions that happened in the game, otherwise.” For Arsenal, the victory represents another important step in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Liverpool, meanwhile, must examine how a performance containing periods of sustained pressure ultimately produced so little meaningful attacking output.