Mikel Arteta believes Liverpool have “set the bar” for the Premier League after watching his Arsenal side swept away at Anfield.
The Reds came from behind to win 3-1 on Monday to continue the 100% start to their title defence.
Arsenal had beaten Jurgen Klopp’s side towards the end of last season and defeated them on penalties in the Community Shield last month.
But Arteta acknowledged Liverpool remain the standard bearers in England and explained what sets them apart.
“We are on a different journey to them,” said the Arsenal boss. “They have been together for five years.
“They weren’t able to do what they have done tonight two or three years ago, that’s for sure.
“They have done a lot of good work. They have a lot of belief in the way they play, they have had great recruitment and have improved the players that they have.
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“This is what we have to try to do. They have set the bar, probably the best standard that we have seen in many years. We still have a long way to go.”
After Alexandre Lacazette gave Arsenal the lead against the run of play, Liverpool responded with first-half goals from Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson before substitute Diogo Jota made the game safe late on.
And Arteta was left to rue a second-half chance when Lacazette was denied by Alisson Becker when clean through.
“It is obviously a really tough place to come,” he said. “They are a really good side. We stayed in the game for almost the whole match.
“Having the lead I think we should have handled it a little bit better, we conceded too early. We competed throughout the game knowing we’d have difficult moments at Anfield but with a belief we could get something out of the game.
“When we had the clear chances to make it 2-2, we didn’t score. If you want something from here, you need to take those chances.”
