Arsenal: Arteta brands Liverpool “Europe’s best team” after FA Cup defeat

The Gunners suffered a frustrating defeat on home soil as they crashed out of the FA Cup.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted his side played well against Liverpool despite their defeat.

The Gunners dominated the possession for most of the game, keeping the pressure on Liverpool’s backline. However, failing to change the course of the match with an opener ultimately cost Arsenal the game as Liverpool won with two late strikes.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said of his side’s wastefulness: “I haven’t seen a team in the past six months that has generated what we have done against them. We haven’t capitalised.

“When my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now what can I do but stick by them.”

Arteta is under pressure after a run of poor results in recent weeks. The Gunners have won only one of their last seven matches, losing all of the last three. Arteta’s men have slipped to fourth place on the Premier League table just a week after losing the top spot to Liverpool, who, despite Mohamed Salah’s absence, looked capable of maintaining their form.

The Gunners will continue their Premier League campaign with a match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.