Liverpool vs. Arsenal | 4–0 | Wow…

Jimmy Diana
Aug 27, 2017 · 5 min read

Liverpool welcome Europa League power house Arsenal to Anfield Sunday afternoon. An hour before kickoff, it was confirmed that this match was going to be an absolute fiesta. From the Liverpool camp, Simon Mignolet was dropped out of the team, allowing Loris Karius to make his first Premier League start of the seaon. Mignolet has not done anything to necessarily warrant the drop, and according to Jurgen Klopp, “he is rested.” With an international break coming up after this match and the Champions League match against Sevilla not until September 12th, an interesting move in such an early, important Premier League match.

On the Arsenal side, high-profile signing Alexandre Lacazette found himself on the bench, replaced by “DatGuy” Danny Welbeck. There is no question Lacazette is Arsenal’s best choice, especially in a game of this magnitude. Early in the seaon, trying to bounce back from the 1–0 loss to Stoke City last weekend, you would think that Arsenal would want to put their best foot forward. Some say that this was not done and some say Arsene Wegner is a genius. Kickoff…

First Half

Tactics were going to be the name of the game between these two clubs. Who would be the more disciplined and organized in order to counter any attacks from the opposite side. From the kickoff you could tell that Liverpool were up for the challenge. From each passing minute it was a constant onslaught of Liverpool attacks lead by the Midfield trio of Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, and Emre Can. These three were able to command both sides of the midfield allowing The Cardiac Kids to move without the ball into space. Mo Salah was especially proficient with his movement giving his midfielders ample space for supplying.

In the 17th minute Liverpool finally broke through with some calm, comfortable play in the attacking area. Joe Gomez received the ball back on the wing with space to work. He was able to play a perfect ball to the head of Roberto Firmino who found space between Monreal & Koscielny for a free header. Judged by his finishing, Firmino was able to get perfect pace and direction on the header to sneak it under the diving hand of Cech to give Liverpool an important 1–0 lead at Anfield.

The consistent pressure from Liverpool did not stop or slow down at all. Arsenal seemed to be like Conor McGregor after getting rocked by the right hand of Flyod Mayweather. Arsenal’s lack of organization got even worse, allowing Liverpool to roam freely, everywhere. Liverpool’s confidence was clear when their fullback were coming so far up the pitch to stick a foot in and try to casue a turnover. In most cases Arsenal were so nonchalant on the ball that this “risky” challenge usually ended up as a postivie. Led by the skipper Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s high-motor was running on all cylinders.

At the 40th minute, on the stroke of halftime, African Ronaldo recieved a ball from Roberto Firmino with only one, lonely, Arsenal defender in the form of Rob Holding to beat. Beat he did when he cut in on his right foot and sent a seeking curler into the bottom right corner of Cech’s net. Watching that passage, you knew what Mane was going to try and he executed it to perfection. A 2 goal lead at home going into half time is about the best you could hope for after seeing that starting 11. But, I will eat crow because this was an absolute masterclass of a first half by Liverpool.

Second Half

With blood boiling and Liverpool on the front foot, Arsene Wenger made the change to bring Frank Coquelin for Aaron Ramsey, whose shift was ended by the feetwork of Gini Wijnaldum. Liverpool simply and elegantly, picked up right where they left off.

The name of the game today was that Arsenal did not look up for it at all. It culminated in the 57th minute when Hector Bellerin, through sloppy play allowed Mo Salah to disposes and begin a footrace to the front of Cech’s goal. He calmly finished the long run with tucking the ball around Cech to make it 3–0 for Liverpool. Anfield was buzzing and the game was all but out of reach from the dejected Arsenal side.

Arsene Wegner finally, finally brought out his two best attackers in Giroud and Lacazette to attempt to scrape any type of positivity from this match. Unfortunately for him, Liverpool brought on Daniel Sturridge shortly there after. Almost immediately Sturridge found his way to the back post and connected on a beautiful cross across the box by Mo Salah. Every Liverpool fans loves when Daniel Sturridge scores, and this time was no different. Putting the final bow on this tie at 4–0 with his goal, solidified the job well done by Liverpool in such an important game.

This game was a pleasure to watch as a Liverpool fan. Seeing the team you support come out and put on an absolute show, nothing better. From top to bottom Liverpool were solid, organized, calm, and well coached. The tactics were perfect and executed to a T. This is perfect way to go into an International Break and into the Champions League Group Stages.

Tries

The New Ultras

For The Culture

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Jimmy Diana

Written by

Fruit Stand Running Co. - @fsr.co - instagram - medium Running / Liverpool FC “And What I Am, Is That I Am.”

The New Ultras

For The Culture

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