Arteta explains starting Tzolis against Liverpool and reveals worrying Eze injury

Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s medical staff after his side beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, their first Premier League win there since 2012. Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match in the first half, while Arsenal put in a strong defensive performance.

Christos Tzolis was a surprise in the starting XI, having not played since suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece a month ago. Arteta said his energy in training had convinced him to start the player, and praised the team’s medical and fitness staff. He added that Tzolis wanted to finish the match, but the coaching staff decided to take him off after judging that he had taken enough of a risk.

Arteta explained that Eberechi Eze was also dealing with a fitness problem, and described his inclusion in the matchday squad as remarkable. Eze came on as a substitute, while Tzolis created attacking chances and forced Alisson into a save with a shot, and came close to setting up another goal with a cross to the far post.

The win came after Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Fleetwood, a second-division side, despite taking 27 shots in the match. Arteta said his side had needed to get over the disappointment of the elimination quickly before facing Anfield, and that winning had required resilience, some luck at certain moments and quality at decisive moments.