Mikel Arteta was left to rue Arsenal's missed chances as they suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season to Liverpool.
Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning 83rd-minute free-kick secured a 1-0 win for the reigning champions, maintaining their 100% record this term while ending Arsenal’s in the process.
For Arsenal, it was a first away defeat in the top flight since a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in November 2024, ending a run of 15 games on the road unbeaten.
The Gunners are now winless in their last 13 Premier League matches at Anfield (D5 L8), a run that dates back to September 2012, when Arteta was playing for the side.
Arsenal did have more shots (11 to Liverpool's nine) and generated more expected goals (0.55 xG to the Reds' 0.45), but they only mustered one attempt on target, which came from Noni Madueke in the 21st minute.
Arteta believes his side did not deserve to leave Merseyside empty-handed, though he acknowledged they were lacking an extra level in the final third.
"I am very disappointed with the result," Arteta told Sky Sports. "I'm very proud of my players.
"Both [sets of] players had to dig in to a level where there was nothing between the two. It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic.
"You cannot dominate here for 90 minutes; it is impossible. At the end of the game, I said we have to find a way to win these big matches.
"You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it. We were much better than last year, when we drew [2-2] here, much better. We have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game.
"We lost Martin [Odegaard], we lost Kai [Havertz], and then we lost Bukayo [Saka]. In the warm-up, we lost [William] Saliba."
Odegaard was able to come off the bench for Arsenal in the second half, though the Gunners had been forced to withdraw Saliba only five minutes in.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who is reportedly flying to London ahead of a proposed loan move, which would be a boost to Arteta's squad.
New signing Eberechi Eze made his debut by coming off the bench with 20 minutes to play, and he finished the game with a 100% passing accuracy, including four passes in the final third, more than Gabriel Martinelli, who he replaced, managed in 70 minutes (two).
Asked about Eze's involvement, Arteta defended his choice not to use him from the start: "He's been with us for four or five days, that is all.
"We fully believe in the players that played. You have to take a lot of positives from the game. I haven't seen Liverpool at home suffering like they did against us."
muhceilrst
1
the same narrow defeat that united went through with arsenal, u can feel the heat now
Darey102
0
Sack Arteta now
Go sack your papa for house
xstepho
0
Arteta is gona get sacked Very poor decisions anyone can see You have Eze Odegard Nwaneri and play merino in the right midfield????? Where he has never played before for Arsenal ……… 45minutes of no show for Merino and Martinelli but still manange to get over 70minutes i don’t think this get will ever get over the line for Arsenal get him sacked bring in someone trophy angry
Idintcareatall
0
Sack Arteta now
they will become the next Man U. 🤣🤣
zepcemno
1
on the opening day man u played very well,created several chances but you flunked them with one single chance and took away all the three points when you were second best on the pitch, so you were paid in the same currency by liverpool today.
Rayonjr
1
liverpool beat Set piece fc with a set piece goal
Nikadlnuy
2
May be corners
Nikadlnuy
2
which wasted chances but this guy is ajoke
yoyadekoz
1
I try not to give opinions on players for their first year in the league, my opinions come in the 2nd year. But i must give my opinion on Zubimendi, i dont think hes as good as hes been hyped up to be. And its not just today, hes played all 3 games so far and im still not impressed. He doesnt or hasnt been mocing the ball forward enough and fast enough for me. He definately has BIG shoes to fill with Partey leaving. Today was the day to show hes class - we were not good enough moving the ball forward. Why was Declan Rice passing or looking to pass the ball backwards? Lately hes been underachieving - I need more from the team. We are not fluid and silky smooth anymore. To be honest, its not like im watching the Arsenal i loved to see. We play the same boring way, week in week out. And if Saka isnt playing we look horrible. Its like we are not the same team when Saka isnt playing. Arteta needs to abandon this controlled possession game and attack more. We have staunted Martinelli and not progressed playing control the game ball. ITS SO F@#KING BORING!
Jezaeklnoz
2
which of the chances is he talking about
damdeknyz
4
tumbckmu
1
Sack Arteta now
😂😂😂
vooalnpz
0
Sack Arteta now
🤔🤔🤔🤔
suaaekpu
1
Arteta is a clown, he would win a trophy if he joined the CIRCUS.
nuzceknru
0
Sign Oshimhen,even if for a short time need,they are busy signing midfielders and a Gykores,here they are playing 90 minutes with only one shot on goal.
scouserhater9
0
Sack Arteta now