But Arteta was not convinced it was that big a factor that led to Liverpool’s comeback and is reluctant to criticize the midfielder after his squabble with Trent Alexander-Arnold was credited with firing up Liverpool.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus fired the Gunners 2-0 up under 28 minutes, with Liverpool looking disorganized and brittle at the back.

But shortly before halftime, Xhaka was involved in a confrontation with Alexander-Arnold, trusting an elbow towards the fullback before squaring up to him.

Both players were shown a yellow card, and a previously quiet Anfield crowd suddenly ignited, with Mohamed Salah then pulling one back for the Reds moments later.

Liverpool took control of the game from that point on, missing a penalty and a host of great chances.

Asked if the Xhaka incident contributed to Liverpool’s comeback, Arteta replied: “I don’t know if that’s the case."

“We had a big chance after that." If we score 3-0, maybe the crowd doesn’t get too excited.

“But after that, they scored a goal, and that changed the momentum and the hope.”