Mikel Arteta has lauded Liverpool as an ‘exceptional’ team after Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Anfield in an intense Premier League encounter.
Speaking to the press via the Liverpool Echo, the Gunners’ boss showed his appreciation for Jurgen Klopp’s side with plenty of praise after full-time, with the Reds digging deep to secure a point against the Premier League leaders and almost winning it at the death.
Aaron Ramsdale made two world-class saves in the final minutes to keep Arsenal’s title chances intact after Mohamed Salah had missed a penalty that could have sent Liverpool on their way to a famous 3-2 win against the north London side.
Indeed, Liverpool showed their true quality against Arsenal this weekend, and for Arteta, the 41-year-old manager was impressed with what he saw. The Basque boss said: “When you look back at what they’ve done to big teams, including this season, they’re an exceptional team.
“They’re very difficult to dominate for 90 minutes. They have moments where they shift the game and they create the momentum that they want. When they raise the level to that there are few teams that can keep up. You have some examples in the results this year again. Merit to them as well because they’re a really good team.”
Liverpool deserve Arteta praise after sensational Premier League display
After going 2-0 down, few would have expected the Reds to come from behind to salvage a draw against the Premier League leaders. Yet this is Liverpool, and whilst Arsenal have come leaps and bounds over previous squads to visit Anfield in recent years, the mental fragility is still there.
Yet that’s not to say Liverpool don’t deserve praise. Whilst the Merseyside giants have been poor this campaign, Klopp’s side deserve all the plaudits they can get after another masterclass performance at home, which could leave Arsenal’s title bid in tatters in the weeks to come.
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