Arteta’s game plan didn’t work
MIKEL ARTETA spoke about how his players need to be adaptable and against a team like Liverpool, he knows they cannot go toe to toe. That is why Arteta, despite his preference for playing with the ball, gives it up when he faces Liverpool. It worked when they changed their style and got the better of Liverpool twice previously. Arsenal only had 31 and 40 per cent possession at the Emirates and Wembley respectively, winning 2-1 and drawing 11. But it didn’t work at Anfield. Liverpool put
Arsenal in their place, particularly in the first half. Klopp’s players had 70 per cent of the ball in the first 45 minutes. Arsenal taking the lead was completely against the run of play and it was comical. A quick breakaway led to a poor cross by Ainsley Maitland-Niles and that was followed by an even poorer attempt at a clearance by Andy Robertson. Then a scuffed shot by Alexandre Lacazette bounced over Alisson, who had already gone to ground. That is the risk that comes with Liverpool’s high line — we saw more of this in the second half — but the hosts’ response was perfect. Sadio Mane levelled, then Robertson made amends by making it 2-1. That second goal came courtesy of three full backs: two good, one bad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross was inviting, and Robertson collected it well before scoring. But it was mainly about Hector Bellerin being sucked into the centre, away from the area where he should have been taking care of Robertson. I’m sure Arteta will be asking him what he was doing there. Arsenal started to press higher in the second half, but Liverpool avoided a third straight disappointing result against Arsenal. This time, Arteta’s game plan didn’t work.