Mikel Arteta, (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Pundits Blast Arteta’s Anfield Tactics as Arsenal Lose to the Reds

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 5:00 AM ET

Mikel Arteta’s team selection against Liverpool raised eyebrows, with many questioning his tactical intent going into the match.

Leaving out Eberechi Eze, especially with Bukayo Saka unavailable and Martin Odegaard on the bench, was a controversial call. Who was meant to be Arsenal’s creative spark?

A midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice felt like a setup designed to defend rather than play progressive football.

Arteta’s substitutions, excluding the forced change of injured William Saliba for Cristhian Mosquera, came after the 70-minute mark, a clear indication that Arsenal were more focused on avoiding defeat than chasing victory.

Arteta’s game plan criticised

Jamie Carragher and Theo Walcott both criticised Arteta’s approach, highlighting a lack of boldness, something they believe separates Arsenal from title rivals Liverpool.

Speaking on Sky Sports, via The Independent, Carragher said:

“Liverpool have got what Arteta and Arsenal haven’t got right now, that edge, that something, that mentality to go and win big matches at big away grounds.

“Liverpool believe they should be winning these matches and I’m not sure Arsenal do. They’re happy not to lose, and it’s costing them.”

Walcott echoed those sentiments:

“We talk about the risk, and Arsenal aren’t doing it at this moment in time. You have to take risks if you want to win these games.”

Arsenal must take more risks

This defeat should serve as a lesson. Arteta has some of the league’s most exciting attackers at his disposal, he does not need to default to the pragmatic approach he chose against Liverpool.

Sometimes, you have to take risks to win the biggest prizes. If Eze was not ready to start due to tactical integration, Arteta could have gambled with Ethan Nwaneri.

Alternatively, Eze should have come on early in the second half to play as a No.10, with Rice and Merino anchoring the midfield. It was obvious Zubimendi was struggling.

Also, why not introduce Max Dowman earlier? And why was Leandro Trossard, who has rescued Arsenal on countless occasions, not given a chance to influence the game?

Just last Monday, ten-man Newcastle showed how to play against this Liverpool side: attack relentlessly and you will expose their fragile defence.

Arsenal did not do that. They played into Liverpool’s hands. What else could anyone expect?

Your thoughts appreciated in the comments.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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