Roberto Firmino’s powerful finish earned Liverpool a point at the Emirates in what was a pulsating and frantic fixture which saw Arsenal score three goals in just five second half minutes after Liverpool had raced into a two goal lead. Here I pick out five key topics from a sensational spectacle.
Sensational Start to The Festive BPL Fixtures
What a game. Frantic, Pulsating, Exciting and Edge-of-seat-stuff. A fantastic advert for the Premier League, and a sensational start to the festive Premier League fixtures this weekend. Two teams who will look to battle it out for a place in the Premier League’s top four. This game provided fans with the kind of football and attacking display that has been so evident throughout this season. As Salah had put Liverpool 2-0 up, we would have thought Liverpool could race away with the victory. But a stunning Arsenal comeback turned the game around inside five minutes with goals from Sanchez, Xhaka and Ozil. The Gunners pushed for a fourth but back came Liverpool as Firmino’s strike provide another twist in this fascinating fixture. And that is how it ended as both sides settled for a point both will feel they could have won.
Lets hope the rest of the Festive weekend is like this game. More of the same please.
Maitland-Niles Impresses
At the start of the game, Jurgen Klopp was asked by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville whether he thought Maitland-Niles inclusion in the side could be exploited by his side. But on this evidence, the Arsenal youngster shone in an unfamiliar role once again despite his inexperience as he matched Liverpool’s on form star Mohamed Salah on numerous occasions during the game. Maitland-Niles was also assured in his tackles and in possession as Arsenal fought back from 2 goals down. Kolasinac may be nearing a return to the line-up but Maitland-Niles may have given Wenger much food for thought.
An impressive display from the Arsenal youngster.
Lacazette Once Again Highlights His Importance to Arsenal
Whatever people might think of Alexandre Lacazette, his overall game is quite impressive. He may not have been on the scoresheet for his side but his hold-up play and understanding with Mesut Ozil is a joy to behold.
His stats as shown above are quite impressive at the Emirates this season with 6 goals and 2 assists in 10 appearances. The link-up play for Ozil’s goals was quite sumptuous, holding off the Liverpool defenders before slipping in Mesut Ozil who expertly chipped the ball beyond the on-rushing Simon Mignolet to give Arsenal the lead.
All the French striker needs to work on now is his record away from home. Aside from that, Lacazette should be a shoe-in starter for this Arsenal side. Giroud is a nice option, but Lacazette’s all round play is an underrated component.
Liverpool Devastating on the Counter, Shoddy at the Back.
When Mo Salah broke away at speed when the score was at 1-0 after half-time, you just knew that the counter would result in a goal for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been electric on the counter at times this season, and most of that is all down to the off the ball movement from Salah, Sane and Firmino. A devastating trio, and add Coutinho to the mix and these four can match it with any of the best teams in World football right now.
However, if Liverpool wanna be winning titles as Klopp talked about this week in his press conferences, his defence is in dire need of a revamp. Liverpool’s fab four up front cannot continue to make the difference if the defence is not on the same wavelength. The January window will be difficult to find top targets but if Liverpool have aspirations for a trophy this season, that defence will need major work.
How many times have we said that about Liverpool this season?
Arsenal in dire need of defensive reshuffle themselves, not just Liverpool…
Much has been said about Liverpool’s defence on numerous occasions, but Arsenal’s defending at times this season has indeed been woeful. Just look at Liverpool’s second and third goals, and that will tell you the reason for their lack of quality in that department. Why on earth did Koscielny allow Mo Salah so much time to roam into the box which allowed Coutinho to grab the opening goal. A man of his experience and quality should allow the Egyptian that much freedom. Also the third goals was a poor one to concede as Emre Can was given so much space 10 yards from the 18 yard area to slot in a incisive eye of the needle pass for Firmino to equalise.
Mustafi, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Monreal as your centre-back options just isn’t good enough. If Arsenal wanna be winning championships, it is based on the art of defending and Arsenal are a few defenders short of that winning formula.
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