Liverpool confirmed their progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. That’s what we saw. The Reds were lucky from the start and Arsenal wasted many chances.
Martin Odegaard should have put the home side ahead after a Joe Gomez strike, but instead he shot over the bar. After a fierce start from Liverpool’s defence, the Reds began to gain some control, although they had few chances.
Darwin Nunes went close but Harvey Elliott headed home a corner kick. Liverpool were fortunate to play against a free-flowing Arsenal side, with Kai Havertz in particular having a poor spell in front of goal. Despite Trent Alexander-Arnold smashing the bar, the Reds were completely in front before the break.
Both teams improved after the break but poor finishing left both teams frustrated. But Liverpool were much happier when Jurgen Klopp announced a substitute and Luis Diaz saved smartly from Aaron Ramsdale before Diogo Jota’s header from a corner hit the crossbar.
The pressure was finally evident when Jakub Kvior scored from Alexander-Arnold’s dangerous free-kick with 10 minutes remaining. It didn’t give the hosts much time to react, and Diaz was confident of the result once extra time ended.
Here are four things highlighted during the game:
Elliott Switch responds to Salah
When you first look at the team sheet, you might expect a midfield three of McAllister, Jones and Elliott and a forward three of Gakpo, Nunes and Diaz. But in reality it was a little different.
In fact, it was Elliot who took Mohamed Salah’s place on the right wing, while Gakpo took on a more attacking role in midfield. Liverpool struggled at half-time, but neither was happy.
However, the change from the first half was much more successful. Elliott returned to center field, Gakpo took over at No. 9, and Diaz and Nunes moved to right and left, respectively.
The England U21 international immediately began to make a bigger impact, sliding a brilliant ball past Diaz, who should have done more. However, Jurgen Klopp may have the answer on how to compensate for Salah’s absence.
Jorginho is silent
You don’t have to be an expert to know what Jorginho said to the referee after John Brooks tried to pull Cody Gakpo’s shirt. It was definitely not a term of endearment.
This prompted Brooks to invite the Italian international to chat with him. Interestingly, despite clear differences of opinion, no reservations were made.
Liverpool fans will be wondering why more penalties weren’t awarded, especially after Luis Diaz was booked for his comments against Newcastle and Harvey Elliott was involved in a foul play in the game. It is all well and good to say that strict action will be taken, but especially in such serious situations, action must be taken.
Jurgen Klopp’s heart must have been in his mouth when he saw Jarell Quansah go down after hitting his knee. Thankfully the 20-year-old held on, but the worried look on the Liverpool manager’s face said it all.
Red’s defense has weakened following injuries to Joel Matip, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Virgil van Dijk also disappeared from the Emirates flight due to illness.
But the Dutchman’s absence was an ominous sign of how close Liverpool were to a defensive crisis. Without their captain, the Reds would have fallen behind, and with another injury the situation would have been even worse.
With the January transfer window now open, Liverpool need to sign a new defender. Klopp dismissed the possibility of a new signing, saying it will not be easy to find the right signing, but said the regrets could be far greater if United fail to sign someone than if they failed to find the ideal player.
Arsenal are playing into Liverpool’s hands
Knocking a strong side like Arsenal out of the FA Cup would certainly improve Liverpool’s chances this season. There can be no advantage in this competition.
Arsenal paid for their sloppiness, especially in the first half, with the Gunners incredibly wasteful in front of goal. Kai Havertz was particularly poor when testing Liverpool, failing to pull the trigger and hold the ball for long.Mikel Arteta clearly has issues with his future squad options.
If he fails to resolve that issue this month, he could end all his side’s Premier League hopes and tilt the competition in Liverpool’s favour.
