Mikel Arteta admits Liverpool’s depth has been a key factor in the Premier League title race after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Arsenal looked on course to secure a win at the Emirates Stadium as they took a two-goal lead against Villa through Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.
However, Villa pulled a goal back through Youri Tielemans before Ollie Watkins scored a volley from close range to equalise for Unai Emery’s side in the 68th minute.
The result now puts Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who sealed a 2-0 win over Brentford earlier on Saturday with two injury-time goals from Darwin Nunez.
Arne Slot’s side could extend that advantage to nine points if they win their game in hand.
When asked how pivotal Liverpool’s win and Arsenal’s draw could be in the title race Arteta replied: ‘Yeah, there are moments, obviously, they managed to do that.
‘I mean, the subs made the impact and they [Liverpool] managed to change the game.
‘And on our side, it was the opposite even though after conceding the two goals very close to each other, the danger was because I knew half the team was, that we could go downhill because we were physically drained.
‘Suddenly, the team found another gear to go again and just put Aston Villa in their box and go and go again, trying to find the goal that we haven’t been able to score at the end.’
Arteta was also asked again about the pressure Arsenal are now under to complete a signing as Raheem Sterling was the Gunners’ only senior attacking option on the bench.
‘Not at the result at the moment,’ Arteta said.
‘You look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league.
‘When you look at the bench, probably you say I think we are very short.’
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