Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points as rampant Reds put hapless Gunners to the sword

Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points as rampant Reds put hapless Gunners to the sword | Premier League 2021-22

Modified Nov 21, 2021 04:43 GMT

#3 Lack of experience hurts Arsenal against Liverpool

The project Mikel Arteta is leading at Arsenal is an exciting one for the long term, with plenty of high-potential youngsters in the Spaniard's squad. But for instant results, experience is key.

Sambi Lokonga was found to be the weak link in the second half. Although the Belgian was confident of holding the middle of the park in the first half, the 22-year-old could not keep up with Liverpool in the second.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Takehiro Tomiyasu and 21-year-old Tavares, Arsenal's full-back pairing, were no match for Liverpool's pacy forwards in the second half. As Liverpool started to get into their groove, Arsenal's young line-up started panicking. Despite Arteta's numerous attempts from the touchline to calm things down, a lack of experience eventually played against Arsenal's favour.

#4 Liverpool's overloads on the flanks were a menace

You know, it's game over when Jürgen Klopp asks Trent Alexander-Arnold to push higher up the field. The German was seen giving similar instructions last night, asking Alexander-Arnold to join Salah up front and make it tougher for Nuno Tavares to defend the space.

Liverpool's overload can overwhelm a lot of teams in England and Europe. With their offensive full-backs, along with the incredible speed and precision their African wing-duo possesses, almost every opposition has felt the might of Liverpool.

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Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka did everything they could to help their full-backs on both sides of the pitch. But even in 2v2 situations, it was Liverpool who often came out on top. As the game wore on, Anfield started to look like a ridiculously huge pitch for Arsenal to defend.

#1 Jurgen Klopp gets his tactics spot on

Gegenpressing was in full flow under the lights at Anfield as Liverpool yet again thrashed their opponents in front of a sold-out crowd.

Liverpool at Anfield, managed by Jurgen Klopp, has been by far Arsenal's worst nightmare. The Gunners have conceded a whopping 22 cumulative goals in their last six games at this historic stadium. Major credit for the same goes to Liverpool: manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German tactician was yet again spot on with his player selections and tactics. Picking Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara to play alongside Fabinho in midfield was surely a gamble in such a game, but it paid off well. The Spaniard's composure to break the lines in the middle while Oxlade's high pressing game were something too hot to handle for Arsenal's midfield.

Things exacerbated in the second half for Arsenal. Liverpool came out with renewed vigour after half-time. It was clear that despite being in front, Klopp was unhappy with the work ethic of his players in the first half. That soon changed as Liverpool blew Arsenal off the park.

Edited by Bhargav