Premier League giants Liverpool renewed their rivalry with Arsenal in entrance of a packed Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon (October 9). Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal dominated proceedings of their yard, securing a 3-2 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s lackluster Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli scored as soon as and Bukayo Saka bagged a brace for the Gunners, whereas Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino discovered the again of the online for the guests. Following Sunday’s outcome, Arteta’s aspect stored their place on the summit, with them selecting up 24 factors from 9 video games. Klopp’s males slipped right down to tenth place after securing solely 10 factors from eight video games.
Enjoying at dwelling, the north Londoners loved the right begin to the match. Contained in the opening minute, the hosts received possession in midfield and the ball ended up at Martin Odegaard’s toes, who took his time to help Martinelli for his opener. Simply previous the midway mark of the primary half, Nunez lodged his first shot on course, however Aaron Ramsdale refused to be crushed at his close to submit.
Nunez had one other shot within the thirty fourth minute, solely this time it ended up behind the online. Luis Diaz’s cross from the fitting was good and Nunez’s sliding end ensured Ramsdale had no likelihood of preserving that one out. The guests’ pleasure was short-lived, nonetheless, as the house crew shortly bounced again with a reply. 5 minutes into first-time added time, Saka put the Gunners forward, tapping dwelling Martinelli’s low cross on the far submit.
Eight minutes into the second half, Liverpool equalized by substitute Firmino. The Brazilian latched on to Diogo Jota’s move and slotted the ball into the far backside nook. Within the 74th minute, Thiago Alcantara fouled Gabriel Jesus inside his field, compelling the referee to level to the spot. Saka stepped as much as take it and thumped it dwelling previous a hapless Alisson to provide the house crew the lead.
The Merseysiders tried to crawl again into the sport however lacked the top product within the ultimate third, extending their winless run within the Premier League to 3 video games. Listed here are three of Reds’ stars who upset and a pair who impressed in north London on Sunday:
Underperformed: Jordan Henderson
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson endured a tough time on the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The Englishman struggled to maintain tempo with the Gunners’ midfielders and was caught out of place greater than as soon as.
Henderson did not mark Odegaard in midfield within the first minute, permitting the Norwegian to play Martinelli by on objective. The England worldwide was fortunate that his lack of positional consciousness was not exploited extra frequently. In opposition to Arsenal, Henderson additionally misplaced possession 15 occasions, misplaced three duels, and dedicated a foul.
Carried out: Darwin Nunez
The Reds’ marquee signing Darwin Nunez impressed onlookers along with his decided show on the Emirates. He chased down each ball, tried to maintain opposing defenders on their toes along with his motion, and scored a neat objective within the thirty fourth minute.
Nunez was in the fitting place on the proper time to slip dwelling Diaz’s low cross from out extensive, giving the Arsenal keeper no likelihood. Along with the objective, Nunez received a few aerial duels and made a clearance.
Underperformed: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold has confronted heavy criticism for his lack of defensive consciousness. On Sunday, his shortcomings as soon as once more got here to the fore, particularly throughout the build-up of Arsenal’s second objective.
As a substitute of staying within the center, Alexander-Arnold drifted to the fitting to dam Martinelli. The Brazilian brushed him apart and zipped in a low ball into the Liverpool field, permitting Saka to complete on the far submit.
Earlier than being changed resulting from a knock at half-time, Alexander-Arnold misplaced 4 lengthy balls, ceded possession 11 occasions, and misplaced two of three duels.
Carried out: Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota was arguably Liverpool’s greatest participant on Sunday afternoon. He was affected person, he was persistent, and at all times regarded for tactics to catch the opposition off-guard. His wonderful by ball within the 53rd minute was a factor of magnificence, resulting in Firmino’s well-taken objective.
The Portuguese ahead was additionally sturdy in duels, fulfilled his defensive tasks, and carried the ball properly into the opposition third. In opposition to Arteta’s males, Jota received seven of 11 floor duels, made a key move, drew two fouls, tried three tackles, and accomplished two of three dribbles.
Underperformed: Mohamed Salah
Final season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner (23 objectives) Mohamed Salah has been properly under his greatest this season. In opposition to Arsenal, he as soon as once more minimize a irritating determine, spending virtually the whole lot of the match on the periphery.
Aside from an encouraging Thirty first-minute dribble, throughout which he dismissed a few defenders earlier than making an attempt a lame shot from the sting of the field, Salah did valuable little. He had no photographs on course, misplaced 4 of six duels, ceded possession 5 occasions, and made solely 17 correct passes earlier than being subbed off within the 69th minute.