Mikel Arteta watched his Arsenal side's winning streak come to an end on Wednesday, with the Gunners being beaten at home by Liverpool despite putting up a valiant display. However, the result of yesterday's clash wasn't the only thing weighing heavily on his mind, as he would go on to reveal in the post-match press conference.
Two costly errors in the second half helped Jurgen Klopp's side secure a crucial 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, with Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino getting on the scoresheet en route to the three points. This result, while not being the killer blow to the Gunners' top-four hopes, has handed them an unwanted dent.
Speaking after the match, the Spanish manager highlighted his side's lack of ruthlessness in the opposition's box, ruing two key moments involving Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the tactician wasn't only upset with the result of the game as he took aim at the Premier League when speaking to reporters.
What was his issue with the English top-flight organizers? Mikel was unhappy with Arsenal's congested fixtures list, with the club set to take to the field in Saturday's early tie despite playing late on Wednesday. This means the north London giants will have little time to rest, which is unusual, given that only four games will take place this weekend, meaning it could have easily been scheduled for Sunday.
The former Man City assistant coach accused the league of treating Arsenal unfairly, pointing to the fact that Arsenal will face Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive games in the span of four days in late April as proof.
"Thank you so much to the Premier League for doing that," Arteta said, as per Goal.
"And they've done it again when we have to play Chelsea and Manchester United. So if they want to give them any advantage, I say to them today: 'Thank you so much for doing that'."
He later added: "No [the Premier League wouldn't change the schedule]. It is always it's BT, it's Sky, it is this, it's that. But the one that is affected is Arsenal and the only thing that I care [about] and we care [about] is Arsenal. And for Arsenal it is not fair."
Regardless, an annoyed Arteta promised that his players will arrive at Villa Park on Saturday ready and raring to go. Not everyone sided with the Spaniard, however, as critics were quick to point out that the Gunners aren't in any other competition, having failed to qualify for Europe and having crashed out of both domestic cups.
Despite the defeat, Saka and Co. remain in fourth courtesy of their one-point lead over fifth-placed Manchester United. The Emirates Stadium outfit boast a game in hand over bitter rivals Tottenham, who beat Brighton 2-0 that same day, while having two in hand over the Red Devils and West Ham.
