Liverpool’s thrilling 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium guaranteed them a spot in the FA Cup fourth round. Here are five talking points from a fiercely contested win.
Liverpool owes Klopp genius
Even though Mikel Arteta was disappointed by Arsenal’s series of wasted opportunities in the first half, he undoubtedly informed his players that if they continued to play the same way in the second half, they would win.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, though, the truth is that giving Liverpool such a free pass only gave Jurgen Klopp’s talent carte blanche to utterly control the second half.
First, the German realised that removing Cody Gakpo from midfield was an essential halftime adjustment that would tip the scales slightly in favour of the visiting team.
Then, he made sure the Reds continued to improve as the ninety minutes went on, bringing on Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark, and Conor Bradley in two masterful double substitutions.
Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield as a result of the adjustment, and the insertion of the youthful combo of Clark and Bradley was especially audacious and daring, demonstrating a great deal of trust and faith. This decision ultimately proved significant in the outcome.
Liverpool’s results were enhanced by each of the modifications in some way, guaranteeing their victory in a cup match that only appeared to be heading in one direction.
Every move made by Liverpool helped them in some way, and they emerged victorious in a cup match that, for the first forty-five minutes, appeared to be going only one way.
That is evidence of Klopp’s genius as well as the possibility that Arteta is incomparable.
Van Dijk was absent? Not an issue
It was imperative that someone else step up in the centre of defence for Liverpool because they were without their defensive talisman, Virgil van Dijk, for this match.
Enter Ibrahima Konate, who demonstrated with a commanding performance that earned a well-earned clean sheet that he is more than worthy to play beside the Reds captain.
The Frenchman accomplished everything: two blocks, two clearances, two interceptions, and four recoveries.
In addition, he was spotted encouraging his teammates to remain composed in the midst of the frenzy that followed his goal with ten minutes left in regular time.
The only real issue with Konate is his inconsistent fitness record; if he can avoid any setbacks there for the rest of the season, Liverpool will have a lot to cheer about.
We should also mention Joe Gomez at left back and Jarell Quansah’s ongoing superb play.
Alexander-Arnold in form of his life
It may be argued that Adidas is undervaluing the fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold has transformed his life since donning their Predator footwear.
The young Scouser has contributed six goals in nine games since donning the iconic footwear, and that doesn’t even include the free kick that compelled Jakub Kiwior to score his own goal here. This may all just be coincidence.
Even if Alexander-Arnold won’t receive credit for the assist at that particular time, the impressive performance as a whole cannot be diminished.
The numbers highlight the breadth of his play: two opportunities created, fifteen passes into the final third, three clearances, nine recoveries, and six duels won.
Whether the boots are deserving of praise or not, Alexander-Arnold is acting naturally.
Reds making plans to take FA Cup seriously
Much emphasis was placed on the notion that a tie that would force a replay would be the worst-case scenario in the lead-up to this match.
However, far too many interpreted that to indicate that Klopp would just give up, selecting a team that would be certain to lose and cross the FA Cup off his season-long list of worries.
Of course, the German made some adjustments, but he nevertheless fielded a team that was competent and, based on their performance, determined to advance to the next round.
That should dispel any idea that, despite a backlog of fixtures, Liverpool won’t keep doing their hardest to go to the later stages of this competition.
In light of this, Reds supporters should get ready for yet another four-front race for championships and the accompanying emotional rollercoaster.
Will there be another 63-game season this year?
Elliott’s Salah audition not decisive
At first glance, it appears that Harvey Elliott’s attempt to secure the right-wing starting position in Mohamed Salah’s absence was unsuccessful.
The young player was not particularly effective in the first half and was quickly switched back to his more conventional midfield role at the half, which seemed to indicate Klopp’s lack of confidence in him.
In actuality, though, Elliott’s ability to obtain the ball and have an impact was being limited by Gakpo’s difficulties in the middle of the park, which is what really caused this positional change.
It’s also important to remember that facing an Arsenal team desperate to turn things around is one of the hardest matches in which to try and assume Salah’s role.
Elliott deserves another chance against Fulham, therefore his performance now shouldn’t be interpreted as an indicator of his ability to play this role going forward.
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