Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s title hopes have taken a blow after Mohamed Salah strike

Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s title hopes suffered more damage following a frustrating stalemate with Liverpool at the Emirates.

Arsenal were denied a famous win thanks to Mohamed Salah’s equaliser nine minutes from time. Twice Arsenal went ahead through Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, only to be pegged back by Virgil van Dijk and then Salah.

Arsenal have now won just three of their last seven league games – and trail leaders Manchester City by five points at the top of the table. Arteta, who also lost defender Gabriel to a knee injury, admits he doesn’t want to find himself too far behind Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

He reckons his side lacked the courage to go on and win the game. He said: “The first half was total domination and the score should have been bigger.

“I’m very disappointed we haven’t won the game. I thought we were the better team. I’m more frustrated and disappointed by what we had to do in the second half.

“You don’t want to be in that position, you want to be five points ahead. But the team is alive and wants it. They will keep turning up.” Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed the fight and courage of his stars in salvaging a point.

And he reserved special praise for Arsenal heartbreaker Salah, who scored his 11th league goal against the London outfit. Slot said: “We were behind twice against a very strong team, so it’s a very good point. It’s pleasing to see we have the energy to get back into the game.

“One of the things top players (like Salah) have is that they’re always available and show up. It’s what you need if you’re a big club like we are. You need to have these players that make a difference for you.

“I know you like to talk about title contenders. I don’t do this, but to see we can compete with such a strong Arsenal team in their stadium is very pleasing.”