Congratulations to all Liverpool fans out there. A massive win against Arsenal saw them take a 7 points lead at the top of the table. Only if blighted by injury or hit by a run of poor form, Liverpool are the 2018/2019 EPL champions.
Liverpool have been in top form this season and are the only team remaining unbeaten in the league. They have scored 48 goals which is the second best in the league only surpassed by the reigning champions Manchester city.
They have conceded the lowest amount of goals with just 6 goals getting past Alisson. This is just in 20 games. With the super Salah, dynamic Mane, and energetic Firmino, they look unstoppable. They have shown that they are a force to reckon with and can destroy any team. They showed it against Arsenal.
While many see the win against Arsenal as a Liverpool masterclass, I don't see it as one. I think it's another case of Arsenal shutting down.
This is the first time Liverpool will score 5 goals in the league this season. The last time they scored 5 was against Watford on 17- March - 2018.
Although many expected a Liverpool win, not many expected them to win in this manner. It is devastating and demoralising.
It's a case of Arsenal shutting down. Arsenal after Wenger departure hired Unai Emery. Having lost the first 2 matches, Arsenal went on a 22 games unbeaten run. Then came December. It is a well known fact that for the past couple of years, Arsenal have been poor in December with injuries and fatigue playing a key role. In the 7 league matches Arsenal played this December, they won 3 and lost 2. This looks fair but that's a massive 10 points lost. This have been the case every year.
What exactly is wrong?
Lack of Quality players.
When you look the Arsenal squad, many positions lack quality players. Most times the players are used out of their natural position.
Presently, there is no winger in the squad. Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang, and Ramsey have all been used in that position this season.
When you are using a player out of position, you are under utilizing that player.
The same goes for the defense. Emery utilizing a 3-man at the back plays Holding, Mustafi, and Sokratis. With Holding injured, Granit Xhaka and Lichsteiner have been played as CB. Both have been disastrous.
There are four departments in any team. They are
- The attack
- The midfield
- The defense
- The goal keeper
Arsenal are only good in 2 departments. There is no problem with the attack. They have scored 42 goals this season which is the fourth best in the league. Leno has proven solid too and a calm figure in goal especially when playing from the back. Although, not up to David De Gea level, he's in the same rank with other top goal keepers in the league.
The defense and midfield is nothing to write home about. Torreira is the only bright light in the midfield while Rob Holding was Arsenal best defender until his season ending injury against Manchester united.
The way Arsenal concedes goal is alarming. They have conceded 30 league goals this season. This is more than what Liverpool and Mancity have conceded when combined. The defense have been in shambles this season. Couple of opposition attacks lead to couple of goals conceded. That is Arsenal defense for you.
The return of Captain Koscielny has done little to improve this. In fact, he has been calamitous in his starts for Arsenal. His horror show against Southampton is an example.
The Arsenal defense need a total overhaul a. Top notch defenders that understand the game and are ready to stick in no matter what are needed.
The midfield is another area Arsenal is lacking a top player. Xhaka and Torreira are mostly paired this season at the base of the midfield. Torreira is tasked with stopping opposition attacks and winning the ball. He has done that diligently and is Arsenal best player in the middle of the park. Xhaka however, is having a Jekyll and Hyde season.
Today he's the best, tomorrow you want to strangle him. Very slow, Poor anticipation, and Poor awareness are some of Xhaka attributes. Arsenal need a new centre midfielder and new pair of legs in the defense if they hope to win any silverware.
It's a case of Arsenal shutdown not a Liverpool masterclass.
This is purely my opinion. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
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