In a pulsating Premier League clash at Anfield on May 11, 2025, Arsenal battled back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against champions Liverpool, but manager Mikel Arteta was left seething at his team’s lackluster first-half display, branding it “unacceptable” and “nowhere near the level” required to compete for silverware. The Gunners’ spirited comeback, which saw them level the score despite playing the final 11 minutes with 10 men, did little to temper Arteta’s frustration as he demanded consistent excellence from his squad.
The match began disastrously for Arsenal, who found themselves 2-0 down within 21 minutes after Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz struck in quick succession, capitalizing on a lethargic and disorganized visiting side. Arteta, visibly animated on the touchline, watched his team struggle to cope with Liverpool’s intensity, with the hosts firmly in control. The Arsenal manager later told Sky Sports that the opening 20 minutes were “too late” to rectify, emphasizing that he values “action, not reaction” from his players. His post-match comments underscored a deep dissatisfaction with the team’s initial standards, which he believes must be addressed if Arsenal are to challenge for major honors.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal showed resilience after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Gabriel Martinelli headed home a pinpoint cross from Leandro Trossard, igniting hopes of a comeback. The equalizer arrived when Mikel Merino nodded in after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson parried a shot from Martin Odegaard. However, Merino’s second yellow card late in the game forced Arsenal to dig deep to preserve the draw. In a dramatic finale, both teams came close to snatching a winner—Odegaard flashed a shot just wide for Arsenal, while Andy Robertson’s potential match-winner for Liverpool was disallowed for a foul in a crowded penalty area.
Arteta’s scathing assessment of the first half dominated post-match discussions. Speaking to reporters, he expressed his disdain for the team’s reactive approach, stating, “I hate reaction, I like action. What we did in the first 25 minutes is nowhere near the standards that we require, especially in a place like Anfield.” Social media posts on X echoed his sentiments, with fans and pundits noting his visible anger and the stark contrast between Arsenal’s two halves.