Arsenal News: The Gunners bowed out of the Carabao Cup courtesy of a 2-0 loss at the hands of Liverpool. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts following the defeat on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta’s side started well in the first half but couldn’t capitalize on their early chances. This proved costly for Arsenal as Diogo Jota scored a crucial away goal for Liverpool in the 19th minute.
Arsenal again tried to dominate proceedings in the second half, but Liverpool were resolute in the midfield. Another Diogo Jota strike in the 77th minute ensured a 2-0 victory for the Reds at the Emirates stadium.
The win means that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have now qualified to the finals of the Carabao Cup. Liverpool will go up against Chelsea in the Finals on 28th February at the Wembley stadium.
What did Mikel Arteta say?
The Arsenal manager was interviewed after the full-time whistle. When asked the reason for the loss, Mikel Arteta blamed his players for missing early chances.
The Spaniard added that it is not possible to dominate teams like Liverpool for the full 90 minutes. He added that Arsenal started the game very well but they lacked the clinical edge in front of the goal.
Alexandre Lacazette came the closest among the Arsenal players as he hit the bar after a fantastic save from Kelleher in the Liverpool goal. Arsenal eventually lost their morale after Jota scored a goal in the 19th minute.
Mikel Arteta was also asked if his team was still suffering from the effects of injury and Covid. To this, the Spaniard replied that five or six players had not even trained before the Carabao Cup game.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, and Emile Smith-Rowe were among the injury concerns before the game. To add to this, Thomas Partey played in the second half just a couple of days after Ghana’s exit from AFCON.
But the manager did praise the players saying that he didn’t even feel that they were not match fit as they gave their all on the field. Eventually, the manager concluded by saying that he was proud of his team and this loss will help the players learn.
What’s next for the Gunners?
Arsenal has not had the best of months in January. Firstly, Mikel Arteta’s side lost to Nottingham Forest and were hence eliminated from the FA Cup. And now the defeat from Liverpool knocks the North London side out of the Carabao Cup as well.
Mikel Arteta’s team would now shift his attention completely to the Premier League. Arsenal face Burnley, Wolves, and Chelsea in their next three games as they attempt to seal UEFA Champions League football for next season.
