A strange day at the Emirates, but 3 points!

How strange was Wednesday’s game at the Emirates Stadium?

Let’s look at the stats for some perspective, shall we?

Possession: Arsenal 31% – Liverpool 69%
Total shots: Arsenal 3 – Liverpool 24
Shots on target: Arsenal 2 – Liverpool 8
Corners: Arsenal 2 – Liverpool 13
Final score: Arsenal 2 – Liverpool 1

After being dominated for the majority of the first half, Arsenal was gifted a goal by the world’s top defender, Virgil Van Dijk. Alexandre Lacazette immediately pounced on the error and we were level at 1-1.

Then, Arsenal found some additional energy and spirit, forcing yet another error by one of the world’s top goal keepers, Alisson Becker. This time Reiss Nelson jumped on the ball and put in in the back of the net. Arsenal 2 – Liverpool 1. Finally, after a lot of tough and gritty defending, Arsenal secured 3 points and a win over the reigning Premier League champions.

This was only Liverpool’s 3rd league defeat of the season, and the loss will also prevent the Reds from having any chance to break Manchester City’s Premier League record for total points in a season of 100. Jurgen Klopp was visibly upset, shaken and enraged at how his side finished the game on Wednesday.

But, for Arsenal, the hopes for a Europa League spot by qualifying through the Premier League are still alive. If the Gunners fail to win the FA Cup, a 7th place finish in the PL could earn the Gunners a qualifying play-off spot for the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta was extremely happy with his squad and the hard work they put into his high pressing tactics, which ultimately forced the two big Liverpool mistakes.

“It’s our way. You can see how they go into every duel, into every action, how intense they are, everybody’s willing to do that and if you press the pass you’ll force mistakes from the opponent. I am extremely happy. Mostly for the players because it was a big blow when we lost against Spurs, the way we played. But today they came back again. We beat the champions of the Premier League and the champions of the Champions League and you know how dominant they are. They control every aspect of the game. It’s not a coincidence what they’re doing so I am extremely happy. Liverpool are probably the best team at forcing mistakes and errors the way they play, the way they push you around and the way they always in between you… we did really well and I’m pleased. It’s great to have the points.”

There were several big performances from the Gunners, beginning with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. 56 touches and 8 saves! His work between the pipes has been incredible. There is so much confidence be showed by the Argentinian. I give him so much credit for waiting in the wings at Arsenal for 10 years, finally getting his chance, and then exceeding above any and all expectations.

Of course, we have to give credit to Lacazette and Nelson for their goals, and except for the one breakdown during the Liverpool goal, the Gunners’ defense was solid. Kudos to Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, David Luiz, and Rob Holding for holding off a tenacious Liverpool onslaught throughout most of the game.

Finally, my Man of the Match is once again Kieran Tierney! Again, another terrific performance from our left wingback/fullback. Kieran, do you have any brothers or cousins who play football? We could use a few more Tierneys on this squad!

Yes, it was a very strange game, and yes, we got a little luck from the football gods. However, at the end of the day, Arsenal secured 3 points and beat the champs!

Now, it’s off to Wembley Stadium for a FA Cup semifinal date with Manchester City.

I’m feeling a bit more confident. Are you?

Cheers, stay healthy and safe!

Gunne1963