Liverpool 0 : Arsenal 2

Match-day 3

In this widely anticipated clash of two teams who were still searchig for their first win (goal for Arsenal) in this year's PL, it was Arsenal who came out on top in what can only be termed as an impressive display. Liverpool's encouraging showing against City had raised expectations that they could adapt to Rodgers's brand of possession football quickly. However, up against Arsenal, the team that preach possession football, this was a stern test. And while Liverpool dominated for certain periods, one can hardly find fault with the result.

The Starting Lineups:

Wenger continued with a back four of Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Gibbs. Arteta and Diaby played deep roles with Cazorla further forward. Oxlade-Chamberlain was preferred to Walcott on the right and Podolski given a free role on the left with Giroud in the centre.

As expected, Sahin made his debut alongside Joe Allen with Gerrard further forward. Also, Agger returned from his suspension. Sterling started on the left, Borini right and Suarez in the centre.
The game started with some poor midfield play, with both teams giving away the ball easily. Liverpool threatened but their wayward play in the final third was indicative of the struggles that lie ahead. Arsenal's full backs, Gibbs and Jenkinson appeared jittery but grew in confidence as the game progressed. This could be credited to Liverpool's new found penchant for pressing led by Suarez, Sterling and Borini. As the game grew on, Podolski emerged as a force on the left with his driving runs and good understanding with Cazorla. Even Gibbs got forward a lot more than he would have been expected to against Glen Johnson who was far too busy dealing with Podolski. Chamberlain and Podolski were also willing to fall back, making it a 4-4-1-1 without the ball and put in quite a shift on either flank.

4-2-3-1 when in possession

4-4-1-1 without possession

It was apparent that Arsenal's tactics were contrary to their opponents. They played on the counter and this was how the first goal came out with Podolski and Cazorla combining brilliantly to go into the lead. They seemed content not to press and let the Liverpool players keep the ball. Liverpool had over 52% possession but could do precious little with it, whereas Arsenal's incisiveness and clinical nature in front of goal was the difference.

Also, Diaby and Arteta dropped very deep when not in possession, what this caused was Liverpool players congregating around the Arsenal box but unable to break through because of no space between the back four, Arteta and Diaby causing a flurry of short passes until one was misplaced or the Arsenal midfield made a tackle.

Liverpool's failings:

The only bright spot was Sterling who did his best but simply had no support. Fabio Borini was anonymous and Suarez at his profligate best. Credit must also be give to Vermaelen and Mertesacker who did their jobs very well. Sahin may be a talented player, but he simply needs more time to gel with his surroundings and midfield partners. Gerrard had one of his worse games in a red shirt and simply looked too ponderous on the ball and gave it away far too easily, too many times. One wonders if this is the end for him.

Conclusion:

Liverpool played very much like what we've come to expect from Arsenal with pressing and a fluid midfield triangle leaving them susceptible to spaces between the lines and indeed it was telling that the type of goals scored on the break are often scored against the Arsenal 4-3-3. However, the 4-2-3-1 employed by them here proved to be the victor, with Diaby and Arteta understanding their roles and playing them to perfection.

Also, the defense looked more stable than in a long time and it is apparent that Steve Bould has been working his magic with the players.

Liverpool's travails continue with only Suarez and Borini left as recognized strikers and backup including three 18 year olds: Adam Morgan, Dani Pacheco and Yesil. One wonders if Suarez may be better off on the left, cutting in and Borini as a striker. The most telling moment of the match came when Bredan Rodgers turned to the most attacking option on his bench, Stewart Downing.