Mikel Arteta makes confident claim after slipping 5 points behind Liverpool

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Mikel Arteta has said he is not concerned by Liverpool's early advantage in the title race after the Reds pulled five points clear at the Premier League summit.

Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday ramped up the pressure on Arsenal heading into Sunday’s crucial game against Manchester City, and it proved to be an infuriating encounter for the Gunners.

The 1-1 scoreline leaves Arsenal five points behind early pace-setters Liverpool, which has won all five league matches this term.



Manchester City and Arsenal shared the points at the Emirates, meaning Liverpool holds a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal began with a midfield three of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, as was the case at Anfield last month.

The Gunners also started with Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Martinelli on the bench, but Arteta justified his cautious tactics after the game.

“It's easy to say that [we lacked ambition], but we started the game very well and completely dominated,” said the former Everton midfielder.



To keep City to just that, chapeau to the boys.”

After a midweek Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale, Arsenal faces a tricky Premier League trip to Newcastle next Sunday

By that stage, the Gunners could be eight points behind Liverpool, who play Crystal Palace on Saturday.