5 Talking Points From Liverpool 3-1 Victory Over Arsenal
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to pick up what was just their 2nd victory in the Premier League since the turn of the year when they faced a struggling Arsenal side at Anfield on Saturday. Arsene Wenger decided to keep Alexis Sanchez on the bench for this game and paid the price as Wijnaldum, Firmino and Mane found the back of the net in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool. Though Welbeck pulled one back in the middle, it did not stop Arsenal from falling to what was their 4th defeat in the last 6 games. This loss pushes Arsenal out of the top-4 while Liverpool jumped to 3rd place in the points table, level on points with Manchester City in 4th spot. It was an entertaining game for the neutral and here are 5 talking points from this game:
Liverpool love the big games:
The Reds have been struggling against teams in the bottom half of the table but have been superb against teams around them at the top. They have already beaten Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Arsenal this season while also drawing two games against Manchester United and one against Chelsea and Tottenham. They remain unbeaten against top-6 sides this season and have taken 19 points from them. Liverpool surely know how to beat the cream.
Wenger is losing the plot:
The Frenchman has given Arsenal plenty to cheer about over the past two decades but at the moment, it looks like he has lost it. With this game being a virtual six-pointer, a victory would have consolidated their place in the top-4 but instead, Wenger benched the in-form Alexis Sanchez, and only God knows why. But let’s be honest, the Champions League is a lost cause and this loss might now have put them out of a place in the top-4 as well. Surely a decision to regret, for Wenger.
Wijnaldum – the most underrated summer signing:
Though he has not been as effective as a Zlatan Ibrahimovic or an Alexis Sanchez, Wijnaldum has been an influential player for Liverpool. Playing in a slightly deeper role than he is usually used to, Wijnaldum has adjusted to the needs of his new position and is now standing as one of the best midfielders for Liverpool this season. He has now scored against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City while also picking up assists against Arsenal and Tottenham this season, making him an impact player in big games for Liverpool.
Champions League within reach:
The Reds have not been able to find consistency in their game this season but they have definitely played some eccentric football that has kept them close to the top of the table. They have little chance of catching up with Chelsea but having scored more goals than any other team in the top division, they are surely a team that can finish in the top-4. With no other competition keeping them busy, Klopp’s men have a great chance of finishing in the top-4 come the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp is the man:
Though Liverpool have failed to find any consistency this season, they are now certainly a team that can compete with the best in the business. The squad needs a bit of work but Klopp’s system is making this Liverpool side head to beat and if they find a way to get past the smaller clubs, surely they will have a great shot at the title next season. They completed their first double over Arsenal since the turn of the century and if this season is anything to go by, the glory days are not too far away from Liverpool.
