Arsenal Coach Names Two Players That Impressed Him Despite Loss To Liverpool

Published: December 29, 2018

Arsenal boss Unai Emery was satisfied with the performance of two Hale End Academy products in the shape of Alex Iwobi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles despite his side's humiliating 5-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday evening at Anfield.

The Nigeria international was heavily criticized for his inconsistent performances in recent weeks but raised his game today against the Premier League pacesetters and Emery admitted as much in the post-match press conference.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles gave Arsenal the lead in the 11th minute after he was teed up by Iwobi but Liverpool exposed the visitors defensive frailties after they scored five goals.

''The result is clear. It’s not for the referee. There were some positives on the pitch - for example Ainsley played as right winger and scored, working well,'' Emery was quoted as saying by arsenal.com.

''Also Iwobi, after some matches not playing very well, today he played 90 minutes with a good performance. But defensively we need to be stronger, to work.''

The Spanish tactician added : ''Our defensive moments in our box, it’s my responsibility and then we need the balance. We need to keep the balance in the middle.

''We lost today 5-1, we need to keep the balance in the middle, be serious and continue on Tuesday with a big match at the Emirates. We need to show our supporters there we are standing up after the result.''

Arsenal's form during the festive period in which they played three matches was a mixed bag, having won against Burnley, they were held to a draw at Brighton and lost against Jurgen Klopp's side.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com