Premier League giants Liverpool renew their rivalry with Arsenal in front of a packed Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon (October 9). Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal dominated their backyard games, winning 3-2 over Jurgen Klopp’s lackluster Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli scored a goal and Bukayo Saka scored a brace for the Gunners, while Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino find the back of the net for visitors. After Sunday’s results, Arteta’s side still hold their spot at the top, with 24 points from nine games. Klopp’s army dropped to 10th place after winning only 10 points after 8 matches.
Playing at home, the North Londoners had a perfect start to the game. In the first minute, the home team took control of the midfield and the ball ended at Martin OdegaardHis feet, who took his time assisting Martinelli to open the scoring. Halfway through the first half, Nunez fired his first shot on target, but Aaron Ramsdale refused to be beaten at close range.
Nunez had another shot in the 34th minute, but this time it went into the net. Luis Diaz’s cross from the right was perfect and Nunez’s missed finish ensured Ramsdale had no chance of making a save. However, the joy of the away team was short-lived when the home team quickly equalized with an equalizer. The first five minutes of extra time, Saka put the Gunners ahead, hitting Martinelli’s cross from the far corner of the goal.
In the 8th minute, Liverpool equalized thanks to a substitute for Firmino. The Brazilian received a pass from Diogo Jota and shot it into the far corner of the goal. At the 74th minute, Thiago Alcantara fouled Gabriel Jesus in his box, forcing the referee to point his finger in the spot. Saka stepped up to catch it and headed home Alisson’s net to give the home team the lead.
The Merseysiders tried to get back into the game but lacked the final product in the final third, extending their winless streak in the Premier League to three games. Here are three Red Devils stars who have disappointed and a couple that impressed in north London on Sunday:
Underperforming: Jordan Henderson
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson had to go through a tough time at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The Englishman struggled to keep up with the Gunners midfielders and fell out of position on more than one occasion.
Henderson was unable to substitute Odegaard in midfield for the first minute, allowing the Norwegian to play Martinelli through goal. The England international is fortunate that his lack of posture awareness is not exploited more often. In the match against Arsenal, Henderson also lost the ball 15 times, lost 3 times and fouled.
Performed by: Darwin Nunez
Red Devils luxury signing Darwin Nunez impressed viewers with his determined display at the Emirates. He chased every ball, tried to keep defenders at bay with his movement, and scored a neat goal in the 34th minute.
Darwin Nunez impressed Klopp during training https://t.co/ereBvQHpOW
Nunez was there at the right moment, at the right time, to hit Diaz’s low cross, leaving the Arsenal keeper no chance. In addition to the goal, Nunez also won a few dogfights and made a save.
Underperforming: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s trump card Trent Alexander-Arnold was heavily criticized for its lack of defensive sense. On Sunday, his shortcomings were once again exposed, especially in Arsenal’s second goal.
Instead of staying in the middle, Alexander-Arnold drifted to the right to intercept Martinelli. The Brazilian pushed him aside and shot from a low ball into the Liverpool box, allowing Saka to finish in the far corner.
Before being substituted for a header in the first half, Alexander-Arnold missed four long balls, ceded possession 11 times and lost two-thirds in duels.
Performed by: Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota was arguably Liverpool’s player of the day on Sunday afternoon. He’s patient, he’s persistent, and always finds a way to catch the opposition off guard. His brilliant tackle in the 53rd minute was a marvel, leading to Firmino’s beautiful goal.
📊 Diogo Jota is aiming to become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive games against Arsenal on Sunday. #lfc [lfc]https://t.co/p3RNLDAvNb
The Portuguese forward is also strong in duels, fulfilling his defensive duties well and dribbling well into the opposing third. Against Arteta’s men, Jota won seven of 11 ground games, made a key pass, committed two fouls, attempted three tackles and completed two of three dribbles. .
Underperforming: Mohamed Salah
Last season’s Premier League Golden Shoe winner (23 goals) Mohamed Salah has been below his best this season. In the game against Arsenal, he again cut a disappointing figure, spending almost the entire game on the periphery.
Antony (3) has more Premier League goals than Mo Salah (2) this season https://t.co/WSnTQQblZ6
Except for an encouraging dribble in the 31st minute, in which he edged past a couple of defenders before attempting a long shot from the edge of the box, Salah had done little. He had no shots on target, lost four of his six duels, ceded possession five times, and made just 17 precise passes before being banned in the 69th minute.
