Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s draw at Liverpool was one of the “most intense and hectic games” he has witnessed in 20 years.
The Gunners played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday evening, with the point ensuring they will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Arsenal took the lead early on through Gabriel, but Liverpool hit back around the half-hour mark thanks to Mohamed Salah.
Both sides had chances to win the game, however in the end they had to settle for a draw after 90 frantic minutes.
“It was an unbelievable game of football,” said Arteta. “One of the most intense and hectic games that I have witnessed in this League in 20 years.
“The quality and the intention of both teams, it was superb to watch it and witness a team with our boys to play at that level, to have the courage and belief to play at that level like we have done here. I think my players deserve big, big credit.
“We should have done better from many situations that we had in the final third because we generated a lot, and that’s a little bit the regret.
“But they had some moments at the other end. Especially the one where they went through and we had a miscommunication at the edge of their box and that’s a big quality of their's. We were lucky not to concede the goal.”
Arsenal’s title charge faded last season after they drew 2-2 at Anfield in April, with the Gunners blowing a two-goal lead.
This time, however, they left with a spring in their step and Arteta praised the way they handled the emotion of the game.
“It was a very different game to last year but what they did today on this pitch and in an atmosphere they created which was something else,” he said.
“The maturity and courage that we showed we should be really proud of our players.
“We have the experience of being where we are today. We should be really happy because that shows a lot consistency among this new group to do it in the biggest league in the world.
“But that’s it, we are where we want to be right now - both in the Premier League and the Champions League.
“We all deserve a beautiful dinner with our families tomorrow, but then we are back on it because West Ham [on December 28] is going to be very tough again.”
Arsenal impressed defensively during their draw at Anfield and the centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba shone, as did Declan Rice ahead of them.
“Those three were phenomenal,” said Arteta. “But I think the whole team stepped up to the level they put today. It was one of the best Liverpool [performances] I have seen this year.
“They make life really difficult and the game becomes really chaotic and the crowd provokes that as well. I think we handled it really well.”
