Mikel Arteta bemoaned Arsenal’s difficulties in converting opportunities following their 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the FA Cup’s third round.
Despite falling to their third successive defeat on Sunday, Arsenal had ample chances to secure a victory at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s team wasted opportunities amounting to 1.61 expected goals (xG), including Martin Odegaard hitting the crossbar and Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing from close range.
Addressing the media in his post-match press conference, Arteta expressed disappointment with his team’s failure to capitalize on the numerous chances:
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“It was a really disappointing result with a big performance against probably the team that is the most in-form in Europe. We were better than them, we generated much more than them, we created so many chances but we didn’t capitalize.
“Against these teams, you have to capitalize if you want to win. If you don’t score in that box, and then you concede an own goal and the second one like we did, it is difficult to win.
“It’s football, and you have to realize the situation and know we’re going to have to generate more and shoot better and arrive in better positions, but today we had plenty. Today we were better than them, and we should have won the game, there’s no question about that.”
With just one win in their last seven games across all competitions, Arteta was questioned on Arsenal’s strategy for a turnaround. He responded:
“The players need it because we cannot question their effort, what they’ve done today, and the attitude they have played with, the courage, aggression – everything is there but the ball is not going in the right direction at the moment in the opponents’ half, and then you concede an own goal which is incredible.
“We have to change momentum, that’s for sure, and we need our players and we need our people as well. In the difficult moments, we stick together and get behind those players that, in my opinion, deserve so much.
“They appreciate that and we stick together and do what we have done in the past. There is nothing new, results will come and enjoyment will come.”
Arsenal is set to return to Premier League action on January 20 when they face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.