Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described his side's game with Liverpool as having a few 'washing machine' moments as the Gunners stay top at Christmas.
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Arteta explains he was proud of performanceArsenal earn point away at AnfieldGunners remain top for ChristmasWHAT HAPPENED?
Arteta, in a more jovial mood than in previous weeks' post-match interviews, had an interesting take on Arsenal and Liverpool's intense 1-1 draw at Anfield. Arteta praised his players for standing up to the test at a boisterous Anfield – an atmosphere which has seen many Arsenal sides capitulate in the past. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes shone in central defence to ensure the Gunners remained top of the Premier League.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking to Arteta said: "We wanted to [go head-to-head] against a team that plays that way in this atmosphere. To do that today shows that we can go to any ground and play that way. I think there were 'washing machine' moments for both teams. We missed some big players when we came here last year, crucial elements that you need to have to be able to play this way against them. We had that today."0
Reflecting on the game, Arteta added: "An unbelievable game of football, one of the most intense I've witnessed in 20 years in this league. For many moments we were on top, in the last 20 minutes we wanted it more, but a draw is a fair result."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal have not won at Anfield in the league since September 2012, when Arteta was a player, and victory today never felt likely. After a penalty shout for a Martin Odegaard handball and Trent Alexander-Arnold missed a golden chance, the Gunners will be pleased with a draw that keeps them top of the table. However, the real winners of the game were Manchester City who, fresh from their Club World Cup victory, will be looking to steal back points on those above them.
DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal will sit at the top of the Premier League on Christmas day for the second year in a row. In positive reading for Arteta, in the previous 14 seasons, the team sitting top of the league at Christmas has gone on to win the league on 10 occasions. Of course, on the flip-side, Arsenal have been top at Christmas on three occasions (2002-03, 2007-08 and 2022-23) and have never gone on to win the title.