Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes his side took a “step forward” by beating Liverpool on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
After a goalless 90 minutes at Anfield, Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno saved two penalties in the shootout before Joe Willock scored the winning spot-kick.
Arsenal lost 3-1 in the Premier League at the Reds four days ago, and Arteta was pleased with his side’s response.
“We still have lots to learn but we are on the right path,” the Spaniard said.
“It is the third time in about eight weeks we have played against the best team in Europe, in my opinion, and it is a step forward for my team.
“We want to treat every competition as an opportunity to win a trophy, we have to do that for the club we represent and we will do that.”
The teams produced a 5-5 thriller at Anfield in the competition last season before a penalty shootout, won by Liverpool, but this was a considerably less exciting match.
Both sides struggled for fluency after making numerous changes from their Premier League meeting on Monday.
But after Divock Origi and Harry Wilson saw efforts saved by Leno, Willock converted the decisive penalty.
Arsenal will now host Manchester City in the last eight, with all ties to be played in the week commencing 21 December.
