Arteta optimistic, Slot frustrated after the Arsenal-Liverpool stalemate

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side emerged from a demanding festive program in a strong position, despite Liverpool being held to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Thursday.

The stalemate ended Arsenal’s run of five consecutive Premier League wins and marked their first loss of points since December 6. However, with Manchester City faltering, the Gunners still have a six-point lead at the top.

“Yes, every time you don’t win (it’s a missed opportunity),” Arteta said. “I really have to commend the team for what they have done over this Christmas period.

“To come out of this period with all the problems we had, the boys deserve all the credit.

“We are in a very strong position and we have to go again.”

Defending champion Liverpool is still fourteen points behind the leader, but has not yet lost to Arsenal in two league games this season. Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick made the difference at Anfield in August, with both games producing few clear-cut chances.

Still catching up

Arne Slot’s side extended their unbeaten run to ten games, but five draws in that period left them in fourth place in the table. The Liverpool manager felt his side controlled large periods after the break but lacked penetration.

“You hope for more chance creation from all that ball possession,” says Slot.

“This is who we are. We can dominate possession, but we struggle with a few things.

“Set pieces and then finding the right pass in the final third, we’re still not at the level of some other teams.”

Published on January 9, 2026