Gunners’ misery against Liverpool a combination of brilliant Liverpool play and the Anfield factor

The third goal was an absolute mess created by Özil. Özil’s transfer to Arsenal was one of the most talked-about points of the Premier League this season. But the weight of expectations soon took a burden on Özil, and it was evident in the match. Jordan Henderson’s hunger to win the ball bore fruit, as Özil slipped under pressure from him. Henderson immediately took the ball forward, and it led to a goal.

The fourth goal was something Arsenal could do nothing about. Much has been talked about the Brazilian brain Philippe Coutinho’s burst to fame, since his transfer in January 2013 from Inter Milan. This season looked gloomy for him, with sub-par performances, and too much desperation to score a goal. However, his talent was never a doubt. All eyes popped out when he placed a perfect through ball between two Arsenal defenders to Daniel Sturridge, whose quality ensured he had nothing much to do further.

The fifth goal was perhaps one of the few defensive mistakes that Arsenal committed in the game. Sterling should not have been allowed to run so easily, given his pace. Touré’s long ball saw Sturridge involved in the offside trap, but the defence switched off and allowed Sterling to score a goal.

But overall, the midfield was causing problems. Mikel Arteta, Mesut Özil, Jack Wilshere and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, along with Olivier Giroud, were continuously faltering. There was no way Arsenal could make a scintillating comeback in this game, as there was no flair in their passing game in the match. Coupled with needless fouls and careless passing, it compelled Wenger to make a triple change midway through the second half- changes which should have been made right after their demolition in the first twenty minutes.

Arsene Wenger

The changes looked to have stabilized the game for Arsenal, which prevented further dismantling of the team. The tactical change was necessary, but the explosive display by Liverpool in the entire game, ripped them apart. Moreover, with such a difficult phase coming up for Arsenal, it is clear that they need to go back to the blackboard and analyse what went wrong. That is the only possible way to change their course back to winning trophies this season.

On the other hand, Liverpool have won 11 of 13 games at Anfield in the Premier League this season. What is impeccable is that Liverpool have now scored 63 goals in 25 Premier League games this season- five behind Manchester City, but well ahead of Arsenal in third with 48 goals. This signifies the improvement Liverpool has shown over last season. They are a massive 14 points ahead of what they achieved last season at this stage.

Liverpool can draw positives from the game with the performances of Henderson, Flanagan, Sterling, Suárez and Sturridge at the peak of their potential.

However, apart from the demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, Liverpool have been less consistent in scoring goals away from home. Rodgers has kept mum about Liverpool’s title ambitions, but fourth place looks familiar territory now. This flattening of Arsenal at Anfield has renewed Liverpool’s title hopes. After this result, Liverpool suddenly look like they are chasing the title contenders. However the key to success is maintaining this momentum.

Liverpool seem to have answered Arsenal’s obnoxious £40,000,001 bid for Suárez in a rather positive way. After all, deducing from a famous joke that has gone viral over the internet, Wenger should be happy that Suárez, who has amassed 23 goals this season, returned empty-handed against them!