Arsenal FC 0-0 Liverpool FC – Post Match Reaction
Liverpool came away from the Emirates Stadium with a share of the spoils last night. Benteke missed a sitter whilst Aaron Ramsey had a goal ruled out for off-side as the visitors matched Arsenal tooth and nail in what turned out to be a classic game of two halves.
Brendan Rodgers made a surprise inclusion into the side, bringing in Lucas Leiva in his defensive midfield position place of injured captain Jordan Henderson. Emre Can got a well-deserved start alongside James Milner as captain in midfield as the pair supported a front three of Philippe Coutinho, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino who was also afforded his first start of the season, indeed for his new club. In defence, the season mainstay back four thus far of Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez protecting Simon Mignolet between the sticks.
Liverpool started the brighter and remained in command throughout what was a thrilling first half. The visitors dominated possession and the space as Rodgers called for in his pre-match press conference, against a lack-lustre Arsenal side. Benteke misjudged a golden chance to put the visitors ahead whilst Coutinho skimmed the post of Petr Cech’s goal during a rousing performance. The Ex-Chelsea now Gunners stopper cannot escape a mention as his heroics kept the Merseysiders out. The (apparently unfairly) disallowed goal from Ramsey was the only dent on a near faultless performance.
As expected, Arsene Wenger sent out the real Arsenal for the second half. Having decided the earlier bunch were rubbish. The storm begun. Liverpool’s positive start to the second half very soon gave way to wave after wave of attack from the home side. Kitchen sink stuff. What has to be noted though is that the visitors’ resolve was stronger. They stood firm and when it looked as if they might buckle, they just held tight. The second half was largely a backs against the wall affair. A unit of defensive resistance that can only bode well for the season to come. All played their part.
Skrtel was immense, as was – dare I say it – Lovren, too. Can was an all-action bustling presence in midfield and the understanding between Coutinho and Benteke has got the potential to be one of the most exciting we’ve seen in a while at Liverpool. Clyne and Gomez epitomised the modern day full back position. Getting forward and providing stout defensive cover. Mignolet saving superbly late on from Olivier Giroud. From front to back, all of this contributed to the performance of the season so far from Rodgers’ men.
This match was seen by many as a barometer of how far an improvement there has of hasn’t been after the Northern Irishman’s “change in technical direction”. For me, this is a game that demonstrated the said change has worked wonders. The team now looks much more like… Well, a team. A well coordinated, organised, tough defensive and attacking unit who last night were definitely hard to beat. As Arsenal found out.
Gary McAllister said last week that the team needs to turn up at games like this. To work hard and put doubt into the opposition minds early on. Let them know they’re in for a game. This Liverpool team done that last night and the result is no less than they deserved.
Top four material? Well on this showing, why the hell not? This has been a difficult start for Liverpool. Gutsy newly promoted opposition, tricky mid-table sides with a point to prove and thoroughbred title contenders. All questions have been answered. If Liverpool can maintain this momentum defending stoutly and continuing to develop their attacking fervour then those questions will be answered in the affirmative.
Bill Shankly said once: A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are. This Liverpool side last night showed what that means on the pitch. Next up, Eest Ham at Anfield. Stay tuned.
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