That Mikel Merino's goal was ruled out late on for a Kai Havertz handball rubbed salt in the wounds but Mikel Arteta's mask finally slipped post-match as the Arsenal boss conceded that keeping pace with Liverpool was simply proving too difficult for the threadbare Gunners.

Arsenal could only manage a draw against Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta bemoaned his lack of options on the bench after his side were unable to earn victory and fell further behind Liverpool

The reaction from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after their clash at Wolves on Saturday was lively, as expected, as his side rallied to win late. After going down to 10 players in the first half when Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off, Arsenal dominated the second half as Joao Gomes was sent off for Wolves.

Mikel Arteta admitted his envy at Liverpool's greater strength in depth after Arsenal lost ground in the Premier League title race with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Arsenal are six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, but not all hope is lost in the title race for Mikel Arteta’s men. The Merseysiders have demonstrated signs of vulnerability in recent weeks, while the Gunners can only improve as their squad returns to full fitness.

Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are full of confidence again and ready to spark Arsenal ’s attack into life. The pair have endured difficult seasons, but both have begun to find form over the past 10 days.

Debutant Neto fails to inspire confidence in Girona with first-choice goalkeeper doubtful for huge Emirates showdown

David Raya was absent for Arsenal's Champions League clash against Girona on Wednesday night with Mikel Arteta confirming that the goalkeeper is currently injured