Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was beaming after Thursday's EFL Cup fourth-round win over Liverpool.

The Gunners atoned for their Premier League loss to Liverpool on Monday by winning on penalties at the Emirates.

And Arteta couldn't have been happier after the game.

"I am really happy with the performance. I think the boys were exceptional. We corrected a few things from Monday and it was superb.

"We competed much better, the level of aggression we had, the way we pressed them really high was exceptional.

"Bernd Leno was really good. When we needed him we had him. You need a top individual performance to win at Anfield and that is what we had tonight.

"I really have belief in Bernd. I know him really well and what he can give us. We didn't want Emiliano Martínez to go but it was probably the right thing for both parties to do.

"To come here and play with the determination and courage is a big step forward for the team. They are on the right path.

"The gap towards Liverpool is still big. We will keep improving to try and reach their level."