After five wins in a row in the Premier League ,Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool was something of a reality check for Arsenal. The Gunners more than held their own for about 50 minutes of the game but it ultimately swung as Martin Odegaard failed to take a golden opportunity before Aaron Ramsdale let a Diogo Jota shot beat him at his near post, with Roberto Firmino flicking in a second minutes later.
"It was the difference today," said a philosophical Mikel Arteta in his post-match press conference of his side's failure to be more clinical. "I don’t think there was any other difference in the game apart from that. I think we have closed that gap a lot but it wasn’t enough because when we opened the door they went through it and scored two goals. I’m not happy with the goals we conceded but it’s part of the game and when you have the chances against them you have to hurt them and get something out of that."
Now though the Spaniard faces the task of picking his side back up again almost immediately. They face a tricky trip to Aston Villa in the Saturday lunchtime fixture. Villa have shown some good form under Steven Gerrard's men, but Arsenal know this is a must-win if they want top four this year. As a result correct team selection is essential.
