Mikel Arteta responds to Arsenal critics over conservative tactics
By
SABC Sport
13th September 2025
Mikel Arteta hit back at suggestions that his Arsenal side lack positivity in big games after their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
The Spaniard, whose approach was questioned following the loss, insisted his team had matched the Premier League leaders for much of the contest before being undone by Dominik Szoboszlai's late free kick.
The result marked Arsenal's first defeat of the season and brought an end to their 22-game unbeaten run against the division's "Big Six."
Arteta was forced into difficult selection calls, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Ben White all unavailable, while captain Martin Ødegaard was deemed unready as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Instead, Arteta handed Mikel Merino a start in midfield, fresh from his hat-trick for Spain against Turkey in World Cup qualifiers, rather than debuting new signing Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal produced moments of promise, outshooting Liverpool and restricting the league's most potent attack to just 16 touches in the penalty area, while registering 29 themselves. Their compact shape also drew an uncharacteristically cautious display from Arne Slot's side.
Despite the stats, many remain sceptical about the Gunners' mindset in big games.
"I heard some comments about how we played with three midfielders [at Anfield], defensive midfielders I think was the narrative," said Arteta.
"Mikel [Merino] has to play in an attacking midfielder. I don't know when was the last attacking midfielder to score three goals.
"So it's very interesting to learn what perception is, especially when you lose a football match.
"I don't know [the narrative] because I don't read that. But obviously, after reviewing the match and analysing it, it's a very different perspective or opinion than the one that I have in relation to that. You have to respect every opinion.
"At the end, the opinion is going to be different if you win or lose. You have to accept that."
