Arsenal lost their second league match in 2022. Both the defeats were against the top 2 teams – Manchester City and Liverpool. Though Arsenal lost those games, they really fought hard and showed great character playing against Liverpool and City.
2 goals conceded in the second half against Liverpool, ended Arsenal’s 5-games winning run. Mikel Arteta and the fans praised the team even after the loss as the young Gunners tried their best against the vastly experienced and well-rehearsed Liverpool team.
💪 Longest current winning streaks in Europe's top 5 leagues
🥇 Liverpool – 8
🥈 Arsenal – 5🤷♂️ Something's gotta give at The Emirates tonight… pic.twitter.com/lJeNELVS0J
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 16, 2022
There was a huge build-up for the game as the outcome could be a deciding factor this season for many teams. Goals from Jota and Fermino ensured Liverpool have all the smiles in the end while sending the Gunners team back for a more in-depth analysis process.
But as a fan, and football-lover we could try our best to help out the team with the following points noted from the match.
Martinelli bag of tricks
Arsenal looked more effective from the left-wing, all thanks to the Brazilian Martinelli. He did most of the attacking work in the opposition half and even help defensively when needed.
The Brazilian won one-on-one situations against Liverpool defenders most of the time, and the strong defensive team needed 2~3 defenders at the time to stop Martinelli. He created golden opportunities in the 6-yard box, which Gunners could not capitalize.
He really is a Gem in the team and shall be given full support.
Thomas Partey – Arsenal’s most dependable Midfielder
Ghana international is like a fresh signing for Arteta. He has shown great improvement from his past performances. He was unfazed by strong Liverpool pressure and made some nice decisions at times.
Partey was like a strong wall in front of the Arsenal defense and a great offense initiator given the opportunity. It was his positioning and tackles that made the back-4 work bit easier in the game.
Small Errors and missed chances cost Arsenal a lot against Liverpool
Arsenal conceded two goals against the high-flying Liverpool offense. The visitor’s averages staggering 2.6 goals per match this season and defensively also they are very strong. Gunners had a very small margin for error in the particular fixture, but very minimal errors at 55th minute and 62nd min were punished by opponents.
It was not only the defense that had allowed visitors to hamper Arsenal’s impressive performance, but some missed chances in the opposition half let Liverpool enjoy the final whistle. Ironically both the teams had a total of 9 shots in the match, but finishing from the Reds was a bit better than Gunners.
A tough-nut Liverpool defense was shackled for a while with Martineilli plays and even Saka’s runs, but Lacazette or anyone in the center of attack was not on spot to capitalize the opportunity created by Arsenal wingers.
Alacantra’s back-pass was a gift to Arsenal to take lead in the game, but again a hurried shot and of course strong defense from opposition denied Odegaard the Golden chance.
Table wide open in all important positions
Both teams remain in the same position after the result, but the point margins around them got hugely affected by the result. Liverpool closed the gap between them and league leaders Manchester City, while Arsenal lost one of their precious “game-in-hand” for any advancements.
It's getting tight at the top 👀 pic.twitter.com/1lchhkVn3K
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 16, 2022
Now Arsenal needs to be more consistent and definitive going into the next fixtures. A point from this match could have been a huge bonus for Gunners especially, but Liverpool’s determined efforts finally tilted the outcome of the match in Red’s favor.
Arsenal’s defense is still strong, but need some small adjustments
Arsenal conceded 2 goals in a very important match. But the defensive display against the top-scoring team of the season was much better in reality. They kept the opponents at bay in 1st half and also forced an unwanted change from Jurgen Klopp.
Trust In The Process #arteta #arsenal pic.twitter.com/usOAYqOi1U
— Stuart MacFarlane (@Stuart_PhotoAFC) March 17, 2022
The tackling, defending, positioning, and communication between the defenders was much smoother and more effective in the match. This Arsenal defense was lacking for many seasons in the past. Considering the age of the defenders and also the whole team, we can assume that Gunners have a very bright future ahead. Of course, considering that the team remains intact for at least 3-to 4 seasons.
See More:
- Arsenal Interested In Signing Versatile Barcelona Midfielder On A Free Summer Transfer; Here’s How It Could Impact The Team
- Arsenal Ready to Sell Two Players Despite Them Being Key Players in the Past
- €35m Rated Italian Striker On Arsenal’s Radar; Here’s Why It Could Be A Sensational Move For The Gunners
Arsenal now has very important fixtures ahead. It includes Manchester United (5th in table), Chelsea (3rd in table), Tottenham (7th n the table), and West Ham (6th in the Table). Arsenal needs to prepare well for these matches specifically.
What are your views on the Game? Do let us know in the comment box.
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