Mikel Arteta praised a ruthless performance from Arsenal after his side moved within two points of the top with a 3-1 win over Liverpool.
Arsenal dominated the game in a must-win showdown against the league leaders, with goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard earning the Gunners a huge three points.
The North Londoners restricted Liverpool to just one shot on target at the Emirates, while the Reds goal was gifted to them by Arsenal as Gabriel Magalhães turned into his own goal after a defensive mix-up involving William Saliba and David Raya.
Arteta led the full-time celebrations in a win that moves Arsenal back into the title race and the Spaniard was delighted with the performance from his team, who he believes beat ‘probably the best team in Europe’ at the moment.
“Especially with the performance we had in the first half and the chances we created, the way we conceded was painful,” Arteta reflected to Sky Sports.
“We could not feel sorry for ourselves, we needed to react and there was a lot to play for and we went out and suffered a bit.
“They were attacking open spaces and that is a bad thing to concede against them. They changed their shape and we had to bring a player inside.
“Basically the message was there was going to be difficult moments and we had to navigate through them moments.
“We were ruthless when we had a chance and it feels like a big win. At the moment they are probably the best team in Europe and the levels they have, they are in incredible team.
“We have come so far and now it is about doing it consistently. Liverpool have done it for six to seven years.”
Arsenal would have fallen eight points behind Liverpool with defeat on Sunday, but have instead reduced the gap in what is shaping up as a fascinating multi-team title race. On whether his team are back in contention, Arteta said: “It gives us momentum and the way we have done it we are back on it – really excited.”
