Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup but the result proved the difference between the two sides. This could ultimately decide the Premier League title race.
Darwin Nunes might be wondering what makes him so special. The story would have been clearer had he played for Arsenal, missing the opportunity against Liverpool.
His pranks paid off. Instead, Mikel Arteta’s team should have been criticized. It can’t be one rule for Nunes and another rule for everyone else. Some of Arsenal’s missed chances were bright and shiny.
Liverpool were somewhat short of Virgil van Dijk, but a lack of ruthlessness let the Reds loose on a day when the difference between the two teams was clear.
One of the reasons why Nunes is under scrutiny is that the Uruguayan could score a club record once all the additions included in the deal that brought him from Benfica have been exhausted.
However, Kai Havertz joined Arteta for $83 million in the summer. These numbers are amazing during the game. Arsenal are back, but the last few weeks have been costly.Nunes has scored 16 goals for Liverpool this season.
Only one Arsenal player (Bukayo Saka 20) can compete in this competition. Havertz has six jersey numbers. The Germans were not alone to blame for the waste here, but the comparison is apt.
Gabriel Jesus was sidelined through injury but was hardly effective, while Gabriel Martinelli failed to turn his exciting dribbles into consistent finishes.
Saka is starting to impress in front of goal, but Mohamed Salah is scoring once every 114 minutes, compared to the England striker’s 245 minutes in all competitions.
Scoring goals is Arsenal’s problem and that was evident again today. It was Liverpool who had the best of Salah’s attacking ability while playing in the AFCON.
Of course, the first goal was Jakub Kivior’s own goal, but Trent Alexander-Arnold gave him a great ball. Luis Diaz was also a major threat, sealing the result and putting Liverpool ahead in second-half added time.
