A defeat at Anfield against the Premier League champions is a reminder that Liverpool still has far to go to becoming the complete article under Andoni Iraola. Mikel Arteta’s side remains the team to beat after finally accomplishing a rare win away against the Reds since 2012, a midfield that featured Arteta himself during his playing career.
This was a game where Arsenal had left their mark, a statement of intent from start to finish. They were defensively astute, showed ruthlessness and demonstrated their champions know how to get the job done. And so, ends Liverpool’s brief spell as title contenders to boot. Although the only two defeats under Iraola’s reign thus far is against the Gunners and Manchester City, there remains plenty of encouragement for the Reds as the season progresses.
Kai Havert’s first goal in ten appearances within the 16th minute of the game was the only thing that separated the teams, with Liverpool unable to break the Gunners down as they continued to control and frustrate. Compared to last season, Liverpool responded in swashbuckling manner with an assault on Arsenal’s defence, some of which were absorbed fairly easily. But this underlined the significant changes to the previous campaign, the supporters are now fully invested into the team once again.
But, for the majority it was a tough watch for the Anfield faithful as Arsenal’s use of the dark arts they have mastered so well under Arteta’s reign resulted in eighteen free kicks and some were soft, each one resulted in an eruption from the Kop. Liverpool had more reason to aggrieve, with Timber’s grabbing of Alexander Isak’s shirt in the 21st minute as he tried to reach Bradley Barcola’s inviting cross. Was VAR making a brew? It was certainly a mystery how they did not alert the referee for the game Andy Madley.
But Liverpool simply did not do enough, and they enjoyed a high intensity first half but fizzled out and failed to ask more questions of the Arsenal defence with their invention and innovation all but dried up. They finished the game with no shots on target, a waning reminder of how more lethal they must be in the Premier League with Arsenal keeping them out comfortably.
While this is Arsenal’s title to lose, Liverpool’s concern is to take the next formal steps to take the appropriate measures to step in the right direction. Iraola and his squad still have a long way to go to call themselves title contenders but like the Man City defeat, their following game is always a chance to get back on track and respond.
Tom Byrne
