Arsenal ready to ‘do big things’ as Mikel Merino defends gameplan in Liverpool defeat | OneFootball

Merino confident Gunners have mentality to win title despite Anfield setback

Arsenal lost 1-0 at Liverpool on Sunday

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Mikel Merino is confident Arsenal can achieve “big things” this season, despite the Gunners falling to defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

It was the first defeat Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered this season but Merino believes they are still ready to “take that next step” in their hunt for silverware.

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since 2020, when they lifted the FA Cup, and they have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past three seasons.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal endured a frustrating day at Anfield

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“Obviously, we want to take that next step, and I think we are ready. Games like today, obviously, are hard to digest, because you lost, even though the feeling was that we deserved better.

“But yeah, overall, very excited for this squad, but the amount of quality that we have, the amount of depth that we have now, is going to be crucial for the future.

“Obviously now it's time to think about the national team, but very excited for coming back, and still create those relationships with the new guys. Everyone needs time to adapt, and in the future, I think we’re going to be ready.”

Sunday’s clash with Liverpool was a cagey affair, with neither side creating many chances.

Arsenal have come under fire for a perceived lack of ambition in attack, but Merino has defended their game plan.

“I think the mentality is always to go forward, to be attacking, to be aggressive, to try to dominate the game and create chances,” said Merino.

“But sometimes the game of football is like this. Sometimes, the ball puts you in a certain situation, you have to adapt to it, and against teams like that, teams like Liverpool, they are a big threat running, and we knew that.

“So we wanted to attack, we wanted to create chances, but at the same time, they wanted to be low, wait for us to make a mistake and run forward.

“It’s tricky to try to attack and not make mistakes at the same time, and create chances, but every game is different, and we have to adapt to it.”