BREAKING NEWS: Although we won but I’m highly impressed with His performance today,He really kept Arsenal in the game till 80min,what a performance”, Szoboszlai named the ONE Arsenal player that really impressed Him Today
Arsenal lost to Liverpool in the Premier League, with the Gunners really not turning up for the fixture.
Arsenal just did not look themselves. Despite fielding what looked, on paper, without injuries, to be their strongest lineup, Mikel Arteta’s men were second best throughout.
The game was decided by an absolute moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai, who rattled in a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque free-kick that flew past David Raya.
It wasn’t a good day for Arteta, but in all honesty, he only has himself to blame.
Mikel Arteta to blame for Arsenal’s loss to Liverpool
This was a vital fixture, early in the season, to establish dominance in the Premier League – and Arteta set his side up to defend at Anfield.
Arteta’s negativity was apparent from the off and for the majority of the first half, with the Gunners seemingly happy enough to sit back and stifle the barrage of Liverpool attacks.
They did have moments going forward, with Noni Madueke showing flashes of brilliance – but you can’t help but think Arteta went into this one wanting a draw.
The selection choices could also be questioned. Not starting new signing Eberechi Eze over Gabriel Martinelli was questionable.
Ultimately, if Arsenal want to be challenging for the league, they shouldn’t be afraid of anyone, but what we saw was a scared performance from Arsenal in Liverpool’s backyard.
Peter Schmeichel agrees with Mikel Arteta’s negativity
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel spoke to Viaplay and agreed that Arsenal were set up all wrong.
Peter Schmeichel: “It’s not lived up to the expectations. You need two teams to give a good game of football and there is only one team trying to play football and that’s Liverpool!
“I don’t want to insult Arsenal but their brand of football is so annoying to watch, it’s designed to exploit opponents while waiting for set pieces.”
Gary Neville also said on co-commentary on Sky Sports that Arsenal would have been “happy not to lose,” which again rings true.
The international break will give Arteta some time to reflect, but they’ll have to come back knowing the flawless start to the Premier League season is over.
