Mikel Arteta was overjoyed by his team’s performance in a penalty shootout win over Liverpool.
Right after losing 3-1 to them on Monday, Arsenal came back to Anfield to collect a Carabao Cup win and progress to the next round.
Arteta understands that there is still a significant gap between Arsenal and the Premier League champions but could not help feel optimistic about his players.
“I am really happy with the performance. I think the boys were exceptional. We corrected a few things from Monday and it was superb,” he told Sky Sports. “We competed much better, the level of aggression we had, the way we pressed them really high was exceptional.
“To come here and play with the determination and courage is a big step forward for the team. They are on the right path. The gap towards Liverpool is still big. We will keep improving to try and reach their level.”
He continued, “Leno was really good. When we needed him we had him. You need a top individual performance to win at Anfield and that is what we had tonight. I really have belief in Bernd. I know him really well and what he can give us. We didn’t want Emiliano Martinez to go but it was probably the right thing for both parties to do.”
Arsenal face Sheffield United next in the Premier League on Saturday.
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