Arsenal vs Liverpool | 2022/23 PL | Three Crucial Things we Learnt

We observed three things as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 in a tight game at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to extend their stay at the top of the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp went with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz in the attack.

An electrifying start from the hosts saw Gabriel Martinelli slot home in the match’s first minute to put the Gunners ahead. Liverpool hit back through Darwin Nunez, only for Arsenal to go ahead at the break, thanks to a late goal from Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal, Liverpool — Image Obtained Via Skysports

There was a more conservative approach from both sides in the second half. The Reds responded well early in the second half, controlling play and levelling the score again, this time through Roberto Firmino. Mikel Arteta’s side just had more conviction on the day as they pressed on and eventually won a penalty when Gabriel Jesus was fouled in the box. Saka converted from the spot for his second goal and Arsenal’s third lead of the match.

1. Martinelli Was A Menace To The Liverpool Defense

Klopp has always been an admirer of Martinelli, comparing him with world-class players. The player proved Klopp right by racing behind the Liverpool defence to slot home the first goal of the match within the first minute. The youngster’s pace caused constant problems for the Reds and he was instrumental again with a powerful run and pinpoint cross which allowed Saka to make it 2-1.

2. Nunez Turns Corner

Darwin Nunez has had a tough start to his Liverpool career, especially after having to replace Sadio Mane who went to Bayern Munich. However, the Uruguayan was razor-sharp in a tough assignment against the Gunners and in-form centre-back William Saliba.

Darwin Nunez, Arsenal, Liverpool — Image Obtained Via Talksport

Nunez’s movement caused problems in the first half as he was consistently found in the channels, and while his accurate cross for Luis Diaz didn’t result in a goal, the Uruguayan striker was rewarded before the interval with an easy tap-in.

3. Arteta’s In-game Experiments Seem To Be Working

Arteta has used both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney in the left-back position this season. But against Liverpool, with Zinchenko out with injury, the Arsenal manager choose to go with Takehiro Tomiyasu who has come back after injury problems of his own. The Japanese’s versatility came to the fore as he pocketed Mohamed Salah.

Mikel Arteta — Image Obtained Via Dailycannon

The Japanese defender’s left-sided partnership with Gabriel Martinelli also proved to be useful as his defensive solidity allowed the Brazilian attacker to not worry about defending and have a free run at the Liverpool defence throughout the game.

Arteta has seemed to make several bold decisions in games this season, be it through quick substitutions or playing players in multiple positions like in the case of Ben White at right-back. It seems to be making the difference in Arsenal’s title challenge.

Arsenal had 46 touches in Liverpool's box today – more than they had in the previous 5 PL meetings combined (44)

Liverpool have only allowed their opponents more touches in their box in 1 previous PL game under Klopp – 48 v Man City, November 2019 pic.twitter.com/nDPN48h4vN

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 9, 2022

This was just the second win for Arsenal over Liverpool in their last 15 Premier League meetings and Arteta looks to have changed the tide against Klopp. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s men have failed to win any of their first four away league matches of the season for the first time since 2010.

The Gunners travel to the Aspmyra Stadion to take on Bodo/Glimt next in the Europa League on Thursday while the Merseysiders face a Rangers side away in the Champions League.

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