After seeing Arsenal exit the FA Cup thanks to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta rued the missed opportunities that allowed the Reds to progress at the Gunners’ expense.

A Jakub Kiwior own goal and a late Luis Diaz breakaway strike saw Arsenal interest in the competition end at the third round stage, but they squandered a number of opportunities to take the lead, especially during the first 45 minutes when they pepped the opposition goal but couldn’t quite snatch the opener.

“It was a really disappointing result with a big performance against probably the team that is the most in-form in Europe. We were better than them, we generated much more than them, we created so many chances but we didn’t capitalise,” said Arteta after the game.

“Against these teams, you have to capitalise if you want to win. If you don’t score in that box, and then you concede an own goal and the second one like we did, it is difficult to win.

“It’s football, and you have to realise the situation and know we’re going to have to generate more and shoot better and arrive in better positions, but today we had plenty. Today we were better than them, and we should have won the game, there’s no question about that.”

On his message to the fans, Arteta said: “We have to change momentum, that’s for sure, and we need our players and we need our people as well. In the difficult moments, we stick together and get behind those players that, in my opinion, deserve so much.

“They appreciate that and we stick together and do what we have done in the past. There is nothing new, results will come and enjoyment will come.”