Liverpool boss admits Arsenal defeat harsh: “Normally a draw”

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·1 September 2025

Liverpool boss admits Arsenal defeat harsh: “Normally a draw”

Arsenal came back empty handed from their trip to Merseyside on Sunday, losing by the odd goal against Arne Slot’s men. Dominik Szoboszlai’s outrageous free-kick was the deciding factor in an otherwise uneventful affair as both sides cancelled each other out for much of the encounter.

Mikel Arteta’s game plan was evident even prior to kick-off. The starting midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino suggested a pragmatic approach. The idea was to be physical for as long as possible before introducing the likes of Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard to push for a decisive blow. The plan almost came to fruition, but it became apparent that either a costly error or a moment of magic was going to win it. Unfortunately for Arsenal, the latter was true for Liverpool and following the encounter, Slot gave his honest assessment.

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Eberechi Eze (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Slot: ‘Normally a draw’

Speaking to the media, as reported by Liverpool FC, the manager admitted there was little between the two sides and suggested the game should have ended level. He said:

“Yeah. If we play this game 10 times more in the same fashion then I think it’s eight times a draw, we win it one time and Arsenal wins it one time because it was an uneventful game, which is sometimes positive as well because both teams were really good in rest defence and in defending. But, I think normally Arsenal and us are able to create more chances during a game, but it tells you also something about the structure and the amount of discipline both teams have without the ball. Then you need a moment of magic, which we got from Dominik, and that resulted in us winning a game that, like I just said, normally would have ended in a draw.”

Arteta’s approach under the microscope

The fine margins went against the Gunners, but Arteta did not cover himself in glory, neither with his starting line-up nor his substitutions. The midfield trio lacked a creative force and it was evident for much of the contest. The introduction of new recruit Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard could have come sooner, especially as Arsenal surrendered more control in the second half.

Ultimately the most frustrating part for supporters will be that the team seemingly played for a draw.

What are your thoughts on Slot’s honest assessment, Gooners?

Benjamin Kenneth

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