Following today’s clash between Arsenal and Liverpool, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Arsenal hosted Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium for a 7.45pm kick off on Friday December 22, with both sides taking a point in a six goal encounter.
The visitors took a first half lead through Philippe Coutinho in the 52nd minute Mohamed Salah gave them a two nil advantage. A minute later Alexis Sanchez clawed one back for the hosts and Arsenal took a three two advantage with Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil scoring before the hour mark.
Roberto Firmino got them back on level terms in the 71st minute and that was where the scoring ended for fans in attendance.
Teams:
Arsenal:
Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Monreal (Mustafi 45), Maitland-Niles, Wilshere, Xhaka, Iwobi (Welbeck 78), Ozil, Sanchez (Walcott 89), Lacazette.
Substitutes:
Ospina, Kolasinac, Coquelin, Elneny.
Liverpool:
Mignolet, Gomez, Lovren, Klavan, Robertson, Mane (Wijnaldum 80), Henderson (Henderson 13), Can, Coutinho (Oxlade-Chamberlain 84), Salah, Firmino.
Substitutes:
Karius, Lallana, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Martin Atkinson blew the final whistle, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger explained.
‘In the first half we were paralysed and frozen. We gave too many balls away and looked second best everywhere. In the second half we have shown quality, character and played at our level.’
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in his comparative interview explained.
‘You need to be angry with yourself, not sad or insecure. We came back into the game and scored our third. The point is the minimum we deserve. Because of the intensity of the game it was not easy to create clearer chances. When you get a point at Arsenal it is usually OK but after this give me a few minutes to get there. Three goals at Arsenal should be enough. We defended most of the time pretty well. We did not give space away. After they score the first and the second, it is not easy but we need to deal with these situations better.’
