Arteta credits Fleetwood defeat for Anfield breakthrough

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's League Cup exit at the hands of Fleetwood Town helped spur his side to their first win at Anfield in 14 years, BBC Sport reported on Sunday 1 November.

The defeat came in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, the competition often called the League Cup. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fleetwood Town on 27 October, and then lost 5-3 in the penalty shootout, a series of one-on-one kicks at goal used to settle a tie. Arsenal finished the match with 10 men. Fleetwood play in the fourth tier of English football, several divisions below the Premier League.

Arteta said afterwards that his players needed to take the loss 'on the chin', meaning accept it and bounce back. Arsenal's website carried his post-match comments.

The trip to Anfield carried history of its own. Arsenal had not beaten Liverpool at their home ground since September 2012, according to Reuters. Liverpool won the most recent meeting there last season, 1-0. Arteta himself started in midfield the last time Arsenal won on Merseyside's Anfield ground, 14 years ago.

David Raya returned to the starting goalkeeper spot for this fixture, The Independent reported, after the Spaniard had lost his place. Andy Madley was the referee.

The match was a Premier League game and the ninth round of league fixtures this season, a stage where every result begins to shape the table. Arteta spoke to the press before kick-off, and his words set the tone for a side that had just gone out of a cup competition.

For Arsenal supporters, a win at Anfield ends a long wait. For everyone else, it is a reminder that a bad week in one competition does not decide how a season goes. Arteta's argument is that a painful night can sharpen a team. The result on the pitch is what will test that idea.