Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration following his team’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool, particularly regarding their performance in the first 20 minutes of the match. The Gunners fell behind early, conceding two quick goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz in just 87 seconds, a start Arteta described as "unacceptable" and "nowhere near the standards" expected from the club.

Despite a spirited second-half comeback with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, Arteta remained disappointed, emphasizing that the team's initial lack of intensity and focus was the primary issue. He stated, "To do it after, it's too late. We reacted, great. But the standards within those 20 minutes were unacceptable." Arteta stressed the importance of action over reaction, indicating that the team must start matches with the right mindset from the outset.

This draw follows a tough week for Arsenal, having been eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals just days earlier. When questioned about the impact of that defeat on his players, Arteta maintained that competing for trophies requires a consistent level of performance, saying, "When you fight for trophies, you might win it or lose it, but then there's another one." He highlighted that the focus should be on mastering the basics of the game, which he felt the team failed to do at Anfield.

The result leaves Arsenal 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings, and while Arteta acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and player dismissals, he insisted that the team cannot accept subpar performances. His comments reflect a desire for improvement and a commitment to raising the standards at the club as they strive for greater success moving forward.