Schmeichel slammed Arsenal’s “ugly” style after their loss at Anfield, while Arteta defended his team’s performance despite criticism from pundits.
Arsenal’s style of play came under fire after their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel branding the Gunners “ugly” and “annoying” to watch.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s late free-kick sealed victory for Liverpool in a cagey contest where Mikel Arteta’s side managed just one shot on target. Pundits including Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane criticised Arsenal’s conservative approach, with Keane calling them “robotic.”
Schmeichel was particularly scathing, admitting he wanted Liverpool to win. “I have never in my life, ever, wanted a team to win a game of football more than Liverpool today,” he told Viaplay. “Arsenal bring an ugly brand of football to our game. Arteta… let your team play football! Let them loose, let them be free!”
Arteta defended his players, insisting his team matched Liverpool but failed in front of goal. “You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it,” he said. “It was decided by a magic moment, and that’s