Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to “one of the most exciting games in football” against Real Madrid after Liverpool drew 1-1 with reigning Premier League champions Everton.
The Gunners boss expressed his dissatisfaction with the second-half penalty awarded for a minor foul by Miles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison, which allowed Iliman Ndiaye to cancel out Leandro Trossard's opener on 34 minutes.
“I've watched it 15 times. In my view it can't be a penalty,” Arteta said after the draw gave leaders Liverpool the chance to extend their lead to 14 points at Fulham on Sunday.
“Of course, they had nothing else but that, but it obviously completely changes the dynamic and the outcome of the match.
“I think we deserved more, but that's what we got in the end. We had two great chances to win the game and we didn't take them, so we'll have to settle for one point.”
Arteta made five changes to his squad ahead of the match, only one of which was forced by a season-ending injury to Gabriel, but he denied he made it because of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
“It's one of the most exciting games you can play in football, in the top European competition, against a team that has dominated this competition for the last 20, 25 years. So, yes, I'm looking forward to that challenge next week,” he said.
“Four players couldn't play after what happened at Fulham and obviously Gabi's injury requires some changes because the players deserve to play. I'm very happy about that.
“Some of them didn’t train, they didn’t have the opportunity to go out on the field.
“Everyone has to be important and feel important. We have a lot of games now and we have to rely on each of them.”
Everton manager David Moyes has expressed satisfaction with the way his side have responded to the disappointing
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
