A lot of differing opinions after the last match (Liverpool v Arsenal), so I thought i’d chip in with my 2 cents.
1) Teams available and result:
Much was made of Arsenal’s depleted squad, but their notable absentees were really MO and Saliba, while we were missing the Alisson (whom I believe may have stopped at least one of the goals conceded). So we were evenly matched in terms of players available.
They did end off with 2 injuries to the back line, and if we had more in the tank in the final 10 minutes, we could have gone for the jugular. But with the games coming thick and fast, whilst it’s 2 points dropped, I’ll take it.
2) Goals scored and conceded:
Both teams scored and conceded the same type of goals. Each from a well worked set piece and a long ball that wasn’t dealt with well.
We could certainly have defended better. We pressed way too late for the first, and Robbo having a mare of a game, and didn’t stop giving away cheap free kicks and deny them the opportunity for their routine.
So for all the hype about Arsenal’s set piece prowess, we matched them at that with an equally good one.
Note: no conspiracy theory here, but their 2nd goal did look just offside to me. We can’t really tell now as they kind of skip pass the decision and lines vs the day when they redrew Firmino’s armpit offside line until he was off. But given that it’s close, I can live with it.
3) Mentality:
To come back twice away from home at the Emirates takes some doing. Alas, we lacked the final push to nick a win, which I believe was there. I hope we can build from here and once again become the mentality monsters. Yes, we are in the midst of a very tough run of games, but that’s what champions are made of – dig in and win even when the bodies are tired.
Conversely, Arsenal sat back right from the start of the 2nd half and the time wasting and cramps and diving started as early as the 50 minutes. For that reason alone, I believe they won’t amount to much again this season. A strong team with talented players, but none of the imposing aura of would be champions.
It’s the 2nd match against fellow contenders that they conceded late on. Granted, they were down to 10 men against City, but against us with a suspect LB, and with Saka having a very good game, they let us off the hook.
4) Performances:
Konate – absolute monster at the back. Read well, covered well, he is a beast.
Jones – thought he was better as the 2nd pivot but I can understand why he took Soboz’s slot as he was tasked with leading the press.
TAA – one of the worst games ever for his passing, but did make the all important pass that mattered.
Robbo – looks a spent force, unfortunately. May be time to replace him.
Salah – hardly involved, but give him a chance and he takes it. That’s why he’s the Egyptian king.
Soboz – much criticised lately, but I think he brought on the much needed running, pressing and was ultimately involved in our equaliser. Just wonder in the current system if his best position may be on the right of the double pivot or RW.
5) Overall trajectory:
For a long time the narrative was Liverpool haven’t met any real challenge in the games with most of them lower placed teams (unfortunately these days a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford is the equivalent of getting one over Bournemouth or something at their home ground). Yet having played both Chelsea and Arsenal in quick succession, with average performances, we still got decent results.
Understand that Slot plays a much more controlled game, but at times I wish he unleashed the team a bit more offensively. Perhaps that will come at the business end of the season?
Overall, I must say, we are doing very well and are certainly contenders. Double header against Brighton and welcoming Alonso back to Anfield. Looking forward to these games.
Written by sgynwa October 28 2024 08:07:35
Â
