Arteta: Arsenal’s Defeat at Anfield Came Down to a “Moment of Magic”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was decided by “a moment of magic.”

The Gunners went into Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash level on points with the Premier League champions but now trail by three after three games played.

The difference came in the 83rd minute when Dominik Szoboszlai curled home a stunning free-kick that left David Raya rooted to the spot.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta expressed pride in his players despite the loss:

“I am very disappointed with the result. I’m very proud of my players. Both teams had to dig in to a level where there was nothing between the two. It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic.”

The Spaniard also highlighted his side’s injury woes, revealing that captain Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all went off injured, while William Saliba was ruled out during the warm-up.

Still, Arteta insisted Arsenal must be more ruthless in front of goal:

“We have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game. We were much better than last year, much better.”

Opinion:

Arsenal fans may feel the sting of this result, but it’s far from doom and gloom. This was Anfield — a ground where even Europe’s best often stumble. For large spells, the Gunners matched Liverpool stride for stride, something that could not be said in previous seasons.

The defeat exposed two familiar truths: Arsenal still lack clinical edge in big games, and their squad depth will be severely tested if injuries continue to pile up. Losing Ødegaard, Saka, Havertz, and Saliba in one evening would derail almost any team.

On the bright side, Arteta’s men showed resilience and maturity — qualities that suggest they are closing the gap on Liverpool. If Arsenal can sharpen up in front of goal and maintain belief, this setback might just serve as the painful but necessary lesson that forges champions.

After all, titles are not won in August — but character is built in games like these.