Mikel Arteta could not hide his frustration after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The hosts had the better of the game in the first half, but failed to make chances count, as Liverpool grabbed the victory in the second half.
Arsenal are now winless in four, having scored on two occasions in that time, firing another blank in frot of a sell-out crowd at the Emirates.
“I haven’t seen a team in the past six months that has generated what we have done against them. We haven’t capitalised”, said Arteta.
“When my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now what can I do but stick by them.”
The fans were also vocal in their frustrations at a lack of clinical edge. Kai Havertz started up top, with striker Gabriel Jesus absent through injury and back up forward Eddie Nketiah on the bench.
Arteta acknowledged the fan’s unrest but pleaded to stick by his squad.
“What I beg from the supporters is that they are behind the team. Stick behind the team, they are incredibly good. They deserve the support with their attitude”, said the Arsenal boss.
“Yeah it is frustrating but what can we do. I can’t tell them play bad, don’t shoot, and score and own goal.
Arteta also provided an update on Jesus, with the Brazilian suffering from a minor knee issue.
“He had some pain in his knee. We have done a scan that shows something. Hopefully it’s not something big.”
Arsenal have two weeks without a game, during the Premier League’s winter break. They return to action on January 20th, as they host fellow London side Crystal Palace.
