By Vinay Shankar (Tactical Analyst)
A hard-fought victory to break Scouse hearts ensued as the resurgent start to the season continues.
Tomiyasu starting instead of Tierney with Zinchenko injured was the big surprise before the game but the Japanese international can play all defensive positions effectively and has been a little unlucky not to start a league game this season after finally proving his fitness.
While scoring inside the first minute is the best way to start a match, it can also prevent the team from playing naturally and executing the game plan. This is exactly what happened once things calmed down after the goal as Liverpool gained a foothold in the game.
Tactically, Liverpool’s switch to a midfield pivot since the Champions League game against Rangers was a big change for Arsenal to deal with but the focus in the first half was to create turnovers and catch their fullbacks high up the pitch. Arsenal completely shut off any build up through Alexander-Arnold on the right, but poor rotations in the press allowed Tsimikas to find the spare man on the other flank to exploit Arsenal's high line. Liverpool focused on beating the first line of press and feeding the four-man frontline trying to break the high line.
Arsenal’s build-up was suffocated in the first half as there was too big a gap between the front five and the backline when the latter had the ball, with Odegaard struggling to find any space. Jesus dropping deep was also marked tightly. Mistakes and being forced to play long forced the team to retreat giving Liverpool full midfield control. Darwin’s movement caused Gabriel and Saliba a lot of problems and with Partey otherwise occupied, the spaces between the center backs opened far too easily. The goal before half-time was a big morale boost, but the team needed to go back to playing their way if they wanted to win this game.
Arsenal upped their intensity to a higher level in the second half and started winning the duels and second balls to control the tempo and keep Liverpool pinned back. This Liverpool team is nowhere near its best and is unable to pressure their opponents as they used to, but the movement of their frontline is still elite and can cause anyone problems.
Arsenal has changed their mentality this season in terms of responding to setbacks and just played their natural game with the ball. The willingness to play their way against the big sides has always been lacking in the past, however this Arsenal side seems to be operating at a different level this season. Now, the results are starting to reflect that.
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