· 2 min readIn this Liverpool vs Arsenal match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Liverpool and Arsenal met on matchday nine of the Premier League in one of the best fixtures the competition has to offer. Liverpool were coming off a penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and a win against a Brighton side in excellent form. Arsenal, meanwhile, arrived under pressure after an absolutely unbelievable elimination at the hands of fourth-tier Fleetwood Town. A win at Anfield would also allow them to take advantage of Manchester City’s defeat and move clear at the top of the table. There was another piece of history to put right: Arsenal hadn’t won a league game at Anfield in over 14 years.
Liverpool started Nyoni, following the youngster’s recent impressive performances, leaving Gravenberch and Szoboszlai on the bench. Even so, the opening minutes were rather uneventful, with few chances and plenty of battling for possession.
Then, in the 16th minute, Alisson made a serious mistake playing out from the back. His pass went straight to an opponent, Arsenal won the ball in the attacking half and Rice found Havertz with a low cross towards the far post. The German was completely unmarked and only had to tap it in. An incredibly easy goal, but one handed to Arsenal by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
From that point on, Liverpool took control of the game. They pushed Arsenal back, caused chaos inside the box and gradually increased the tempo. Van Dijk found himself unmarked at the far post from a corner, but Isak couldn’t make the most of the situation. Wirtz also hit the crossbar with a free-kick, in a move that could have produced a stunning goal. Liverpool’s football was intense, quick and full of pressure, but there was one problem: they lacked precision in front of goal.
In the 42nd minute, Mac Allister had an excellent opportunity. Barcola crossed from the left, the Argentine found himself unmarked inside the box and headed towards goal, but the ball went over. Havertz failed to track his run and left him completely free. Half-time arrived with Liverpool having taken eight shots, none of them on target. Arsenal had less of the ball, but were managing to hold on to their lead.
After the break, Liverpool’s territorial dominance continued. By the 53rd minute, they already had 78% possession, but still hadn’t managed to make Raya work. Arsenal gradually grew more comfortable, clearing the ball away from their box and bringing the game back into balance.
In the 73rd minute, Tzolis forced a superb save from Alisson with a low, curling effort. It was one of the few moments when the visitors managed to threaten.
Liverpool tried to change the game, even using Victor Muñoz at full-back to add more attacking threat, but that didn’t solve the problem either. Arsenal’s defence was excellent, closing down the spaces and resisting the pressure. There was also a confrontation between Madueke and Mac Allister, with the Arsenal player making a headbutt-like movement that could have resulted in a red card.
Arsenal weren’t brilliant on the ball, but they were competent, organised and extremely difficult to break down. After so many years without winning at Anfield, they finally managed it. Above all, they took the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League.
Post-match
The game finished 0-1. Liverpool ended up with almost 20 shots, but only one on target, and that came in stoppage time. That figure says practically everything about their lack of attacking threat.
