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.

Arne Slot’s side are the clear favourites as the Reds currently sit top of the table, six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand over the Gunners. Arsenal have a lot of work to do to close the gap on Liverpool and the pressure may be getting to their manager Mikel Arteta.

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

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 has urged the Arsenal board to back him in the January transfer window after being held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa at the Emirates on Saturday.

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.

After flopping a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa, coach Mikel Arteta addressed the main difference between Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the Premier League title race.

William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly returned in the battling win over Wolves on Saturday, but Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card in that match and faces a suspension unless it is overturned. There was also fresh issues for Mikel Arteta to contend with, as Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino were ruled out of the trip to Molineux.

Mikel Arteta only brought on Raheem Sterling as Arsenal looked to re-establish their lead against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, with the Gunners dropping six points behind Liverpool - who beat Bren

Gabriel Magalhaes has had an outstanding season for Arsenal so far and in the absence of Odegaard, has been named as captain for the Premier League clash with Wolves.

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.