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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

5 things Rangers must do against Liverpool as Arsenal show Gio van Bronckhorst the way in Premier League blockbuster

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst will have picked up plenty of pointers from Arsenal as the Premier League leaders saw off Champions League rivals Liverpool.

Arsenal took the lead inside the first minute, as Liverpool were caught out by a clever move from Martin Odegaard. The Gunners captain picked out Gabriel Martinelli and with Liverpool 's defence and Trent Alexander-Arnold caught out of position, the pacy forward slid the ball into the bottom corner. The visitors then pushed for the equaliser and it came through Darwin Nunez after he converted following a bursting run from Luis Diaz.

Arsenal restored their lead just before half-time through Bukayo Saka netting as Martinelli left behind Alexander-Arnold to slide a low-cross into the six-yard box for a tap-in. Firmino levelled the score again with a well-struck shot past Ramsdale into the corner of the net after being picked out well by Diogo Jota.

(REUTERS)

The longer the game ran on, the more the likes of Virgil van Dijk and his defensive partners were forced into last gasp challenges. After consistently scrambling to clear their lines, Arsenal eventually found a way through when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Gabriel Jesus by Thiago. Saka stepped up to seal the win for the home side from the spot.

The decision was referred to VAR but the penalty stood despite minimal contact.

It was a bumper afternoon of Premier League action, but what can Rangers implement on Wednesday night? Record Sport takes a look.

Get down the left wing

Whether it's the pace of Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala or Rabbi Matondo, Gio van Bronckhorst must take advantage of the space left by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Ibrox side put in a toothless performance at Anfield as they failed to take advantage of the defensive frailties of the Reds.

The England right-back was taken off at half-time after a poor performance in the first half as he failed to keep pace with Gabriel Martinelli as he teed up Bukayo Saka for the second goal. Alexander-Arnold had also picked up a knock midway through the first half, but played on for 20 minutes following the ankle injury.

The Rangers wingers must take advantage of Alexander-Arnold's slump in form if he does get the nod. It could be the key to Champions League survival.

Keep an eye on Nunez

Darwin Nunez has struggled to justify his his €75m transfer from Benfica since his arrival at Anfield. However, he racked up plenty of chances against Rangers but couldn't find a way past an in-form Allan McGregor.

The Uruguayan put in one of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt as he hampered Gabriel throughout the game. He netted only his second goal in the Premier League, and could that be a sign of things to come for the frontman?

Darwin Nunez celebrates his goal against Arsenal (Getty Images)

Rangers won't want to face a striker who is quickly rebuilding his confidence. Connor Goldson and his defensive partner at the back must keep Nunez contained.

Take advantage of injuries

The problems are continuing to mount for Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool remain without Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Arthur is also now sidelined with a muscular injury.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson failed to make the game against Arsenal, while Luis Diaz limped off in the first half. Last year's Champions League finalists are struggling for depth and Gio van Bronckhorst will need to grab the chance to secure a group stage point against a threadbare European heavyweight.

Put pressure on Thiago

The key to derailing the midfield engine room looks to be piling the pressure on Thiago. The 31-year-old kept the game ticking over at his own pace, and was at the heart of all of Liverpool's positive play.

(IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

At times he was keeping Thomas Partey, Martin Ødegaard and Granit Xhaka quiet all by himself. The pivotal slips came when the Arsenal midfield trio managed to cut the Spain cap out of the game completely.

Gio van Bronckhorst will likely have learned his lesson from last time out at Anfield and from the Gunners. Thiago cannot be allowed time on the ball by the likes of John Lundstram at Ibrox.

Tire them out

Arsenal were rewarded for their patience as they harassed the Liverpool midfield and defence throughout the 90 minutes. Saka's penalty was a result of a leggy final 20 minutes from Jurgen Klopp's side.

As the game went on, the visitors at the Emirates dropped deeper and deeper despite desperately needing an equaliser. With a roaring ibrox crowd behind them, Rangers will look to replicate the intensity that proved fruitful for Mikel Arteta's side.

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