Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated after his side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, with summer signing Eberechi Eze bearing the brunt of his post-match criticism.
A thunderous strike from Dominik Szoboszlai midway through the second half proved the difference, maintaining Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season.
Arteta introduced Eze from the bench in the 70th minute for his debut following a £67.5m move from Crystal Palace.
The England international was immediately presented with a golden opportunity to level the score but failed to convert, something Arteta later described as decisive.
“You have to put the ball in the back of the net,” the Spaniard told Sky Sports. “We created three, four, five clear situations. Eze was completely through and just had to finish. At this level, if you don’t take your chances, you don’t win.”
Despite the result, Arsenal remain in a strong position having taken six points from their opening three games. Liverpool, meanwhile, stay top of the table with nine points from nine and look every bit the side determined to defend their title.
The pressure will now be on Eze to make a swift impact as he adjusts to life at the Emirates, with Arsenal supporters hopeful he can add the spark that justified his hefty price tag.
