Peter Schmeichel says Mikel Arteta did something vs Liverpool that genuinely made him ‘angry’

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Arsenal head into the first international break of the season still reeling after their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The game represented a chance for Mikel Arteta’s side to lay down an early marker in the Premier League title race but came up short.

Wayne Rooney has criticised Arteta for not starting the game with new signing Eberechi Eze and there has been a feeling that the Gunners boss was too conservative with his approach.

Arne Slot’s side had shown defensive frailties in their opening two matches and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has been left feeling ‘angry’ over Arsenal’s display.

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Peter Schmeichel left ‘angry’ over Arsenal’s defensive approach at Anfield

Speaking to Viaplay Sport Denmark’s official TikTok account, Schmeichel has slammed Arteta for his defensive approach to the game and branded Arsenal’s football as ‘ugly’.

Schmeichel stated: “I can honestly say I have never in my life wanted Liverpool to win a game more than I did today.

“I was really disappointed and in a way a little bit angry with the way that Arsenal played this game. We built it up as one of the biggest games of the season, how important it is and what it is we’re looking forward to, wanting a really good game of football.

“What they [Arsenal] bring to Anfield is an ugly brand of football. With the talent they have – let them loose.”

Slot praised Arsenal after the game and expressed his belief that Arteta has moulded a ‘difficult’ side to face.

However, the champions won the first decisive battle of the season and after completing the signing of Alexander Isak, they may feel they have the edge once again in the battle to be kings of England.

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It was a frustrating watch for Arsenal fans and whilst there is a lot to be admired about Arteta’s team, there is a feeling he does need to be more expressive when the time is right.

The Gunners were solid in defence against Liverpool with fans impressed with Cristhian Mosquera after the defender had to replace William Saliba early in the game.

Yet, Arsenal seemed to rely once again on scoring from set-pieces and Gary Neville criticised Declan Rice for his deliveries from multiple corners built in the first half.

There was no spark in attack, at no point did you feel as though Viktor Gyokeres was in the game or going to be given any service.

Arteta set his team up not to lose the game and whilst a point at Anfield would have been a good result, the Gunners missed the chance to make a real statement early in the campaign.