The Spaniard was largely happy with how his side executed their gameplan (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emery says Arsenal’s performance against Liverpool gave him reasons to be optimistic despite losing 3-1, though feels there were two key areas where his side were second best.

The Gunners’ 100% start to the season ended at Anfield on Saturday evening as a header from Joel Matip and a brace from Mohamed Salah – one from the spot and the other a brilliant move and finish – put the home side three goals ahead.

Lucas Torreira netted a consolation goal and Emery says he saw some strong moments from his side in the match, though they need to improve when they have the ball and are being pressed.

Salah was the star of the show as Liverpool threatened to run riot at times (Picture: Getty)

Emery told Match of the Day: ‘Today the first half we worked together. We were doing some transition very good and we had some chances but the second half the penalty was very soft.




‘After 2-0 our reaction was good. We needed to attack and take a different moment in the match.

‘Yes we are disappointed we lost 3-1 but watching some players we can be optimistic. We need to improve in possession and countering the pressure but Liverpool is the best team with this.

‘We have to be realistic but we can fight closer to them. For me today, without the result there were some good periods we showed.’

Arsenal looked dangerous on the break and could have gone ahead (Picture: Getty)

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also felt there were some good signs from Arsenal despite failing to win at Anfield for the seventh time in a row, while opposing manager Jurgen Klopp admits he was surprised by Emery’s tactical setup.

The German explained: ‘We were a bit surprised by their system. We couldn’t know that they would play a diamond, but we switched things around and coped very well.’