Klopp’s hold over Arsenal dissolves in outstanding victory against Liverpool

Arsenal 3 Liverpool 2 
Premier League 
Sunday 9th October 2022 4.30pm   

This was a huge win for Arsenal, and on the back of the manner of victory against Spurs the previous weekend, it felt significant, not least because of the difficulty the club have faced in matching Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took over at Anfield seven years ago. 

Are Liverpool a lesser side this season? It does feel like it, although they still have some very dangerous attacking players who can, and did hurt Arsenal. But the Gunners are a better side than 2021-22, for well-established reasons, and for once, the Scousers were not clear favourites going into this fixture.

There was a surprise selection in the form of Tomiyasu instead of Tierney at left back, but it proved a good one, as the Japanese full back demonstrated how comfortable he is on his left foot, and dealt with the twin threat of Salah and Alexander-Arnold, largely negating an obvious threat from Liverpool’s right flank.

It may have also helped Arsenal that Liverpool had to go for a win, having dropped so many unexpected points already in the Premier League. It meant an open game, with both teams more interested in getting the ball forward than denying the opposition, a contrast to the North London derby.

Things started off in dramatic fashion with the opening goal scored before a minute had been played, the speed and efficiency of the home side’s forward drive and passing seeing the ball move from Saka to Martinelli via Odegaard, and a clinical low finish from the young Brazilian. VAR threatened to kill the moment with a look at Saka’s positioning when he received the ball, but fortunately, it stood, and the wild celebrations of a rocking Emirates did not prove in vain.

Liverpool had a shout for a penalty against Gabriel after a quarter of an hour, and we’ve all seen those given. Klopp’s side did equalize with more time though, as Gabriel made a hash of an attempt to get something on a ball chipped behind him, and luck favoured Liverpool this time as it fell kindly to Diaz. His ball across the face of the goal to Nunez was lethal and the scores were level. 

Arsenal were playing some quality football, but there was always a feeling of danger when their opponents drove forward – we’ve seen it so often. Diogo Jota, a real nemesis in these matches, played in the hole behind the three forwards – as if Liverpool’s intention needed to be made any clearer.

There was a lot of injury time played in this match – a combination of treatment on the field, goals and substitutions. Five minutes at the end of the first half to start with. Some of that was down to the removal of Diaz during the opening 45 minutes, replaced by the no less dangerous Firminho. Still that injury time helped Arsenal as they went ahead again near the end – this time a wonderful Martinelli run being met by Saka for a far post tap-in after a clever dummy by Gabriel (although what on earth the centre back was doing in the opposition box during that move is another conversation). No matter – the advantage was restored as the teams went in for the break.

That lead lasted eight minutes into the second half. As Liverpool scored a knife through butter type of goal – difficult to defend against. Jota put the ball on a plate for Firminho who made no mistake. Technically, you could find fault with Arsenal’s defending, but sometimes you just have to say the opposition scored a very good goal. This was a prime example.

It was end-to-end stuff – before Liverpool’s second leveler, Odegaard missed a glorious chance to give his team a two goal lead. However, one thing that has to be praised about the performance of Mikel Arteta’s side yesterday was that they recovered from Liverpool equalizing twice, their confidence not seeming to take any kind of dent. Psychologically, the Gunners do feel like a different beast this season.

The concluding goal was an Arsenal penalty after Jesus was kicked by Thiago Alacantra. It was another decision that was open to interpretation and maybe at Anfield, it might not have been given. But that is home advantage and there is no question that Thiago made any contact with the ball, even if that was his intention. Three minutes after it was awarded, giving time for a bit of a fracas between Henderson and Xhaka after the latter leapt to the defence of Jesus (which was good to see), Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick. Allison guessed the right way, but couldn’t reach it in time to prevent the number 7 scoring his second goal of the match. 3-2.

Liverpool didn’t give up and Arsenal had to show resilience, helped a little by a change in formation with Tierney coming on for Odegaard to effectively make it a back 5, although that didn’t stop Ben White storming forward on the other flank as at times, attack was the best form of defence for the home side.

There were some fantastic performances all round – Martinelli just about the standout player to these eyes, although who didn’t play well? Yes, two goals were conceded, but for the most part, the defenders were resolute, in addition to supporting the attacking moves. Saka, Tomiyasu and White all deserve a namecheck, but even that feels a little harsh on the other starters – it was an excellent team performance. 

24 points from 27 is an unbelievable start, and it feels the only thing that can really hurt Arsenal’s season at the moment is injuries. There is no debate the squad’s depth doesn't match those of certain of their opponents, one of the reasons few can see beyond Manchester City for another title at present, especially when you consider that have Erling Halaand leading the line this season. But what Gooners wanted to see was a side that was able to start competing again, and there is no question that is happening now – Artetaball has come good. So far, the big sides that have come to Arsenal have been defeated. Away from home, Old Trafford provided a useful lesson and we wait to see what happens when the team visit Stamford Bridge. On the road against other big clubs has been a marked weak spot in recent seasons, and I heavily suspect the tactics we’ve seen so far this season – possession and territory the priorities - aren’t going to change, which may well lead to more multi-goal thrillers. 

For now, it’s simply a matter of enjoying some marvelous players, some excellent football and a feeling that Premier League games are starting to matter again. It’s been too long.

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