Arsenal re-enter the title race

 

Arsenal 3 Liverpool 1    
Premier League   
Sunday 4th February 2024  4.30pm    

I am in bulletpoint mood with my take on yesterday’s dramatic win over Liverpool

* Team selection – Jesus was injured, so other than something completely unexpected like moving Martinelli into the centre, it was a straight choice between Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz to lead the line. Arteta had played Havertz up front for the cup game a month ago, and went with the German again. And if you are paying £65m for an attacker – you’d think he can play in front of the goal. In fact, the only changes from the Cup tie were Raya for Ramsdale, Zinchenko for Kiwior (the Ukrainian was injured at the start of the year) and Martinelli for Reiss Nelson. Significantly, that meant Jorginho partnering Declan Rice in midfield, which turned out to be a masterstroke.

* Gunners’ first half domination – Much like the FA Cup tie, Arsenal dominated the opening 45 minutes, and should have made life far more comfortable than they did. Martinelli’s pace and Saka’s ability to go past his markers should have led to a greater return – but bodies in the key spots to receive the ball in front of goal simply weren’t present. Oh, for an Ian Wright, an Henry, a Van Persie. Hell, even an Aubameyang. Someone with an instinct to be in the right place to score. Liverpool did have moments of danger, it wasn’t one way traffic, but the best opportunities were enjoyed by the home side.
 
* Havertz saved by Saka – 13 minutes in and Havertz broke in space down the centre and really should have scored. Fortunately, Allison’s save went to Bukayo Saka who made no mistake. So wonderful to go a goal up, but a glorious chance was so nearly wasted. It was further proof of what Arsenal need to do in the summer when they will hopefully have money to spend. Sometimes the dice fall for you. Allison made a good save but once the ball was parried to Saka, Arsenal’s number 7 kept his head and gave his side a deserved lead.
 
* That equaliser – What can be said? A mixture of a shambles and misfortune once Diaz poked the ball away from Saliba and Raya. Saliba’s attempt to shepherd the ball to Raya when he could have hoofed it clear is one of the prices you pay with Artetaball. Possession at all costs, whatever the risk. Might Raya have claimed it earlier? The ball was in the six yard box by the time Diaz got his touch. Then pure bad luck to go in as it did off Gabriel. Such a cheap goal to give away, but of course, it wasn’t the last in this game. But half-time saw a deflated home crowd. Not again, surely? Like the cup game – the result should have been in the bag given the chances in the first half, but it was honours even.

* Half time switch – Zinchenko came off due to a flare up of his calf injury, which meant Kiwior was at left back for the second half. Given Arsenal needed to go for a win in this game, it wasn’t ideal, but in a half which saw Liverpool keep the ball far more, the home side defended well. The presence of Jorginho was significant here. He might not be spectacular, but he is generally reliable and tidy. It may be worth pursuing with the Italian for a few games as the one thing Arsenal need to do is continue getting results, by hook or by crook. Stopping the opposition scoring is always a good starting point for that one!
 
* Van Dijk and Allison return Arsenal’s gift – It was arguably a worse cock-up than the Liverpool equaliser, but when these go for your team, you just have to smile. Martinelli gave Van Dijk a shove and a bit of me thinks that might have been given as a foul on another day, but hey, football’s a physical game, right? Gabriel being climbed over at Newcastle for their goal was regarded as being ok, so we’ll take it. On such moments, a lot can be decided. Maybe both sides will look back on this goal later in the season and wonder what might have been if it hadn’t happened, although it did kind of even things up. Three quarters of the game gone, and Arsenal were back in the lead.

* Konate sees red – The Gunners were counter-attacking with genuine threat as Liverpool chased an equaliser, and in the 88th minute, Konate stopped a break at the cost of a second yellow. Although there was plenty of injury time, against ten men, suddenly the odds were stacked in Arsenal’s favour, and they took advantage soon enough.
 
* Trossard provides the cherry on the cake – On the wing, substitute Trossard beat his man, took the ball towards the goal and with limited options in terms of support, decided to have a shot from a narrow angle. A deflection off Van Dijk took it between Allison’s legs. It really wasn’t their day. Dr P commented “Trossard’s goal like Jesus’ in the last game - stop endlessly pulling it back and squaring it and SHOOT - even if it’s a tightish angle you are very close to the goal”. Me, I’m all in favour of players having a go. Too many touches or passes required mean chances are passed up. It’s a familiar theme these days under Arteta.
 
* Back in title contention – Were Arsenal ever really out of it? After that run of four points in five games in December, it certainly felt like they were not going to re-find their mojo soon enough. And some were calling for the manager’s head after the FA Cup defeat that followed. His team didn’t play wonderfully in beating Palace and Forest, but Liverpool was a different story. The Gunners upped their game – helped by their opposition’s willingness to play rather than just defend. Now though, they need to put a run together – starting with the visits to West Ham and Burnley. The team needs to be winning these matches if there is any chance of keeping up with Manchester City. As for Liverpool, it was a bad day at the office for them, but they’ll recover soon enough, and hey, they’re still top of the table. They are yet to play Manchester City at home, whereas Arsenal will be traveling to the Etihad. Many a twist and turn to come but it’s just good to be within two points of the leaders, as opposed to eight points adrift.
 
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