Mikel Arteta has “begged” angry Arsenal fans to stick with the team after the Gunners were made to pay for being wasteful in front of goal in their FA Cup loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
With neither Premier League side wanting a replay, both teams were pushing for goals to try and win the match at the Emirates.
Arsenal were the far better team in the opening 45 minutes and had several opportunities to break the deadlock.
Martin Odegaard smashed the crossbar with a close-range effort while Kai Havertz failed to convert his hatful of chances.
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal fans to stick with the team
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The longer Arsenal went on without finding the net, the more at risk they came to being made to pay.
And that ultimately happened late in the game when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick was headed into his own net by Jakub Kiwior.
Luis Diaz wrapped up the victory for Liverpool in stoppage time and the home crowd were furious as loud boos rung out around the stadium after the final whistle.
It’s now three consecutive defeats for Arsenal, who are now out of both domestic cup competitions.
But Arteta refused to blame his players after the loss to Liverpool, calling on the supporters to keep faith in the side.
He said: “What I beg from the supporters is that they are behind the team.
“Stick behind the team, they are incredibly good. They deserve the support with their attitude.”
Arteta added: “I haven’t seen a team in the past six months that has generated what we have done against them.
Arsenal were booed off the pitch by angry supporters
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“We haven’t capitalised. When my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now what can I do but stick by them.
“It is frustrating but what can we do? I can’t tell them play bad, don’t shoot, and score and own goal.”
Ian Wright led the calls on social media for Arsenal to dip into the January market to sign a proven goalscorer this month.
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Arsenal were made to pay for their missed chances
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However, Arteta insists doing so is far easier said than done with limited options for what Arsenal can do in the market.
“One thing is what we need and another is what we can do,” he said.
“What we can do is stick behind those players and make sure we stick behind those players.”
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