Konate highlights changing of guard
Arsenal just didn’t learn their lesson. Liverpool’s 4-0 romp in this fixture last season was partly attributed to a subdued home crowd being ignited by the animated behaviour of Mikel Arteta on the touchline
This time, though, it was Granit Xhaka responsible for the incident that transformed a potentially ugly atmosphere into one of the more memorable Anfield occasions of recent times.
After a tussle for possession between the players shortly before half-time, Trent Alexander-Arnold took exception to Xhaka motioning to put an elbow in his face, the resultant spat ending with both players booked.
But, more importantly, it served to put fire in the bellies of both the home support and players after a harrowing first half in which Arsenal were on the verge of inflicting complete embarrassment.
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Within a minute, Mohamed Salah had pulled a goal back. And Anfield, now increasingly aware to Arsenal’s spoiling tactics, became alive.
Xhaka was involved in another pivotal moment shortly after the break, on the receiving end of a strong but fair challenge from Ibrahima Konate.
That was typical of a hugely impressive performance from Konate who, while Virgil van Dijk and in particular Andy Robertson struggled, at least attempted to keep the ship afloat in the first half. And only a remarkable save from Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the last seconds prevented him notching the winner his display merited.
Van Dijk has long heralded Konate as his potential successor. The gradual changing of the guard may now be taking place.
Salah miss exposes issue
Jurgen Klopp simply couldn’t believe it. As Mohamed Salah placed the ball on the spot, the Liverpool boss turned away and relied on the Main Stand to inform him if the Egyptian had succeeded.
The viewing angle meant that, for a brief moment, many supporters celebrated before realising the ball had been dragged wide. Klopp, watching intently for the reaction, was similarly duped until realisation dawned that Salah had missed a second successive penalty, prompting discussion over whether the Egyptian – who continues to edge nearer another 30-goal campaign after his earlier strike – should now be relieved of his duties.
Unlike at Bournemouth last month, Liverpool ultimately found a way of salvaging some reward for their attacking endeavours. But once again they were guilty of spurning a glut of gilt-edged opportunities, even if they did come up against an inspired Ramsdale, who twice spectacularly denied an undeterred Salah following the spot-kick aberration.
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Liverpool rained in a whopping 21 shots on the Arsenal goal, but just haven’t possessed the ruthlessness that has previously been so evident under Klopp. Indeed, a total of 50 goals in 29 Premier League games isn’t concerning until the realisation 16 came in two games against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
Fingers have quite rightly pointed at the defence and midfield this season. However, when it comes to applying the final touch, the Reds have still to regain the right balance.
Trent issues reminder
It wasn’t the biggest call Jurgen Klopp faced when considering his starting line-up for this game.
But the recall of Trent Alexander-Arnold was nevertheless not quite as universally expected as it normally would have been after being benched at Chelsea in midweek.
Joe Gomez will never offer the same threat going forward, but was solid defensively at Stamford Bridge and, with the dangerous Gabriel Martinelli in opposition, had strong claims to keep his place.
Klopp, though, was rewarded for his faith in Alexander-Arnold, even if Arsenal’s second goal originated from his flank. The right-back more than made amends with a stirring second-half display in both directions, capped by his part in Roberto Firmino’s equaliser. Remarkably, it was only Alexander-Arnold’s fourth assist of the season.
Elsewhere, Thiago Alcantara’s return after more than two months on the sidelines and the imminent availability of Luis Diaz means Liverpool can attack the closing weeks of the campaign with greater strength in depth than any point this season.
Quite what’s left to compete for remains to be seen. The Reds, however, have shown here they still have the appetite for a fight.
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