JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta said Arsenal regretted failing to extend the lead to eight points at the top of the English League table.
The Gunners had to settle for a six-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa, who are in second and third place, after being held to a 0-0 draw by Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, January 9, 2026, early morning WIB.
Even so, Arteta praised his players for their consistency during the holiday period.
"I have to really praise the players individually for what they have done during this Christmas period."
"The reason is that the schedule demands are extraordinary and what they have done is extraordinary. So, to come out of this period with all the problems we have faced in a strong position like now, I think the players deserve my praise and everyone's recognition," said Arteta.
Arsenal struggled hard for a long time - as they did against Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Brighton in recent weeks.
When asked if every point felt like a hard-won battle, Arteta agreed.
"I feel this since August 2025. I think we all feel the same, every manager, every player, every team, because this is the level of this league and you see how difficult it is."
"This makes me feel very proud because I know how difficult it is. I appreciate what the players did," said the Spanish coach.
Liverpool's Conor Bradley effort hit the crossbar in the first half. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes had Arsenal's best chance, his header went wide in the second half injury time.
Bradley was carried off the pitch after an altercation with Gabriel Martinelli in which the Brazilian appeared to push him off the pitch despite suffering a seemingly serious injury.
Arsenal ended the Christmas period with five wins and one draw in the league. However, Arteta remained disappointed with the draw against Liverpool because the opportunity to widen the lead failed.
"Yes (disappointed), every time you don't win (it feels like that). However, then we will be 12, 15, or 20 points ahead," said Arteta.
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