Five Anfield takeaways: Pool now formidable but functional Arsenal shut them out
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha (left) and Arsenal's Kai Havertz battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Anfield. Pic: Peter Byrne/Press Association.
Now their manager Mikel Arteta was in the last Arsenal side to beat Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield when, under Arsene Wenger’s stewardship, goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Carzorla propelled them to a comfortable victory. The team Arteta has constructed is not as easy on the eye as many of those overseen by Wenger. But it is superbly functional, particularly in the final third, where they prevented the hosts from recording a single shot on target despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and returning a higher XG figure. It is exactly that robustness, combined with their efficiency in attack as demonstrated by Kai Havertz’s clinical first-half finish, which saw them end the latest round of fixtures three points clear at the summit of the table.
Given the uncertainty which hangs over Manchester City’s season, at this stage of the campaign it is difficult to envisage anyone other than Arsenal lifting the trophy in May. They are five points clear of Brighton and Hove Albion in third and a further three ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.
After conceding in the 16th minute, Liverpool succeeded in making this the kind of chaotic game they wanted rather than the tactical battle Arsenal undoubtedly prefer. Andoni Iraola’s men poured forward in numbers from then on and should have claimed an equaliser when Alexis Mac Allister inexplicably headed over from close-range. Only the crossbar prevented Florian Wirtz from restoring parity with a curling free-kick.
The returns of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz from injury - both appeared as substitutes during the second-half - will be greeted with relief in the red half of Merseyside. Iraola will rely heavily on both as he attempts to guide Liverpool back into the title race.
There is still plenty of football to be played and, without a doubt, they are a much more formidable proposition than the one opponents grappled with towards the end of last term. However, even at this early stage, seeing them fall nine points behind Arsenal after as many games still felt like a big moment.
A first Premier League start was Trey Nyoni’s reward for an impressive performance against Chelsea in midweek. The teenager made more touches and completed more passes than any of his team mates, as they dispatched Xabi Alonso’s men on penalties. Crucially, though, it was his willingness to press and contribute defensively which convinced Iraola he had the personality to compete against one of the slickest midfields in Europe.
A more comfortable anchor than Ryan Gravenberch, Nyoni was fortunate to escape a yellow card after leaving his mark on Martin Odegaard during the opening exchanges. Arsenal won the midfield battle for long periods, with Declan Rice excelling. But Nyoni was neither overawed nor outclassed and, for precisely that reason, expect to see much more of him over the coming months as Iraola looks to stamp his mark on Anfield.
Despite helping Arsenal win the Premier League title last season, Noni Madueke’s status in Mikel Arteta’s squad remains uncertain. Before being selected to start against Liverpool, exactly half of the 24-year-old’s appearances in the competition this term had come from the bench. He repaid Arteta’s faith by helping to create the opener, releasing Rice whose centre towards the far post was swept home by Havertz.
Madueke’s influence waned as the contest wore on and, predictably, during periods of Liverpool dominance. Arteta will want the winger to impose himself on matches more, particularly when Arsenal need to wrestle back momentum. Madueke’s contribution to the German’s effort meant his selection was justified.
Whether or not the overall performance he delivered is enough to cement a place in Arsenal’s first-choice eleven, though, remains to be seen. Madueke seems to be constantly on the cusp of fulfilling his potential without ever threatening to make the breakthrough.
A brilliant defender, Arsenal’s Gabriel nevertheless retains the ability to frustrate those who value good sportsmanship as much as the attackers he frequently marshals out of games. The Brazilian theatrically flung himself to the floor, clutching his face, after being pushed in the chest by Alexander Isak. It was totally unnecessary and, given his reputation for indulging in the dark arts, will come back to haunt both Gabriel and his team mates unless Arteta intervenes. Which he won’t.
Liverpool weren’t immune to trying to con the officials either, with Cody Gakpo going over far too easily in the box after tangling with Cristos Tzolis following Havertz’s strike. Perhaps the frequency with which players over-state even the mildest indiscretions contributed to the decision not to award Isak a spot-kick after being impeded by Jurrien Timber.
Referee Andy Madley and his assistants deserve huge praise for not bowing to the pressure being placed on them. They deserve special mention for how they oversaw a frantic, breathless and sometimes exceedingly difficult game.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
