Arteta Enjoys Another Shoot-Out Win Over Klopp

Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0 (Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties)
Carabao Cup 4th Round
Thursday 1st October 2020  7.45pm

I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal have enjoyed a slice of fortune in their progress to this season’s League Cup quarter finals, at least on the pitch (Leicester’s slapdash defending was the reason for the win in the previous round), even if the draw has not been so kind (a phenomenon that continued with the selection of Manchester City as their last eight opponents when the competition continues in December). This was symbolized with the winning shoot-out penalty taken by Joe Willock, which squirmed under Adrian in the Liverpool goal. Still, even if it was progress from the lottery of sudden death, we’ll take it. Jurgen Klopp has an element of disdain for domestic cup competitions these days, with eyes on bigger prizes, but he nevertheless fielded a stronger side than he normally would in the League Cup, with some big names to try and assist the less regular starters in his squad. And of course, the game was at Anfield, where defeats these days are collectors’ items. 

Arsenal though, were worthy of their win if for no other reason than their defensive solidity frustrated the home side for much of the tie. Yes, there were moments when Bernd Leno pulled off some very decent saves, but ultimately, clear cut chances were far fewer than in the Premier League fixture three evenings previously. Arteta informed us post-match that his team had worked to address certain of the issues that led to that defeat, and was happy with the consequent display. 

In discussing defensive matters, there were eyebrows raised that William Saliba did not get a start in this game. The manager explained that he simply does not feel he is ready due to the stop start nature of last season - where French teams did not complete their schedule. Saliba did get a run out pre-season, although his subsequent omission suggests he is taking time to pick up on what Arteta wants him to do in training. And we must remember that, in spite of his reputation in France, he is still only 19 years old. For a centre-back, he is young. And of course, he was not purchased under Arteta’s watch. 

A back three of Holding, Gabriel and Kolasinac did a competent enough job, assisted by the organization of the players in front of them, with Leno saving the day with a man of the match display when shots on goal did arrive, as was inevitable given the opposition. Liverpool did create far more danger. Gabriel in particular was excellent.

Granit Xhaka was captain of the side for the first time since that game against Palace about a year ago. In reality, he is the captain on the field regardless of the armband, liked and respected by the other players. His performances since Arteta took over have meant the majority of Arsenal fans have forgiven the number 34 for his misdemeanours, and it cannot be denied that he is a far better player under the current manager than we saw under Arsene Wenger or Unai Emery. As a complete aside here, I note that Arsene will be a guest on BBC1's Graham Norton Show on Friday 16^th October. He will be there to plug his autobiography, but I doubt he has the first clue what he is in for. It could just turn out to be the most interesting interview Le Boss has ever given, for all the wrong reasons. 

As for the match itself, no goals. That is highly unusual for this fixture, although I have a memory of attending a 0-0 there in maybe 1993-94, back in the days of George Graham, when Julian Dicks spent a season there – almost certainly under Graeme Souness. I doubt there has been a 0-0 game between the two sides since, and generally, this fixture sees a hatful of goals (often in the visiting team’s net if we are talking Anfield). Compared to last season’s 5-5 in this competition (late in Emery’s tenure), it was chalk and cheese – but also a reflection of the Gunners’ defensive progress, as well as attacking options that didn’t quite gel. Pepe, Nketiah and Willock are very much second stringers these days, although they did make a good effort to press, even if chances were fairly rare – Nketiah having the best one, but fluffing his lines. 

Liverpool hit the bar and forced Leno to prove his worth more than once, but the 90 minutes expired and a third shoot-out in less than 12 months between the two sides followed. Elneny’s very poor attempt was fortunately replicated by Origi and Arsenal’s players did not pass up the reprieve, even if Willock’s winning spot-kick was arguably a worse attempt than the one that Adrian saved. No matter – no-one that supports Liverpool is worried about cup ties won from the penalty spot given the number of trophies they have secured this way over the years. Progress in the cup is exactly that, regardless of how it is achieved and Arteta now faces his old boss once again. Back in early July, an FA Cup semi-final saw Arsenal triumph over their richer rivals at Wembley. This time they will be back at the Emirates. It is early October, and a lot of football will be played before then. Nevertheless, it is good to remain involved. Arsenal have only ever won this trophy twice, both times under George Graham. Yes, it is relative small fry these days, but if wins like this develop belief in the players and allow progress in terms of the team’s defensive development, then bring it on.

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