Liverpool held Arsenal at bay to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
By Olisa Obi
Mikel Arteta’s men were again the agents of their downfall as they fell short in a clash of two Premier League title rivals, squandering a series of chances across the 90 minutes.
The Gunners were able to put the pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side as they struggled to contend with Arsenal’s continuous pressing and vibrancy in the first half.
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The red were however able to turn the tide around by the second half as Liverpool were able to win through a couple of tactics and position tweaks at half-time. Both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz were given greater freedom to run in behind the Arsenal defence.
In the second half, the Gunners, all dressed in white, were not able to find the net and it seemed like the game was going to end in a stalemate.
But the visitors twice struck the crossbar before a Trent Alexander-Arnold free kick was diverted home inadvertently by Arsenal defender, Jakub Kiwior, ten minutes from time to give Liverpool a late lead.
Arsenal, in a desperate search for an equalizer, was then subjected to a fast paced counter attack – something that Mikel Arteta and his men have used so well against other opponents.
Mikel Arteta began throwing bodies forward in pursuit of an equaliser. There was plenty of stoppage-time space for Luis Diaz to seal victory with a fine finish past Aaron Ramsdale and ensure Liverpool will progress into the fourth round of the competition.
Although many do not believe that Mikel Arteta needs to be worried about this team, his forward is surely going to be a source of worry as the Gunners have only scored twice in four games across all competitions.
This once again continues a trend seen with Arsenal as they have more shots on goal, yet lose the game.
Some believed that arsenal should go into the market for new strikers but Arteta has said that the current team needs no further addition.
