The Gunners’ perfect start to the 2020/2021 season came to an end in Merseyside as goals from Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota made sure Alexandre Lacazette’s 25th minute opener became a mere consolation.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta admitted that Jurgen Klopp’s men are superior to Arsenal and insists he is happy with his team’s performance despite urging the North Londoners to improve.
“We were in the game for a big part of the game. The reality is they are superior to us in many aspects. You could see that in some phases,” the Spanish coach said.
"I'm really happy in the way the team competed and kept believing. This is the standard we have to reach.”
“We are on a different journey. They've been together five years, we've had a few months.
"They scored too early [after Arsenal's goal], big mistake from us. I had a feeling we were going to have chances in the second half.”
"We had probably the best chance of the game. You have to put them in the net when you have chances against them.
"We have a long way to go in many things."
Arsenal return to Anfield for a fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool on Thursday before entertaining Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday.
