Liverpool’s Premier League title push was dealt a blow as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, with uncharacteristic errors proving decisive.
Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool
Premier League (23), Emirates Stadium
February 4, 2024
Targets: Saka 14′, Martinelli 67′, Trossard 90+1′; Gabriel OG 45+1′
Defeat disappointing however not decisive
If both facet had extra driving on this assembly, it was no doubt an Arsenal crew that might have discovered themselves eight factors adrift of high spot with defeat.
And Liverpool should do not forget that as they lick their wounds following only a second Premier League lack of the season thus far.
They might have missed an opportunity to successfully put the Gunners out of the race, however the Reds stay on the summit going into the enterprise finish of the marketing campaign and two factors forward of the Gunners.
The important thing to taking advantage of that place shall be how they react to this setback, with one other unbeaten run required to propel them to glory in Could.
Uncommon errors undermine Reds
He might hate dropping, however you think about Jurgen Klopp received’t be calling for an inquest relating to the style of Liverpool’s defeat right here.
A lightning Arsenal begin apart, this didn’t really feel like a recreation the place the Reds had been being persistently taken aside en path to zero factors, even when they weren’t at their greatest.
And it is just truthful to acknowledge that, typically, these kinds of performances are the very best you’ll be able to hope for from a tough journey to a fellow title challenger, notably when the stakes are so excessive for them.
Finally, the decisive second coming courtesy of an uncharacteristic mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk will not be one thing you’ll be able to mitigate for, or that’s more likely to be repeated.
As such, Klopp’s gamers could be greatest suggested to easily write this off as a foul day on the workplace and guarantee they shortly get again to profitable methods.
Konate needlessly silly in remaining levels
If there was one second that may have really vexed the supervisor throughout this recreation, it can absolutely have been Ibrahima Konate‘s determination making round his late pink card.
Liverpool had cowl in that state of affairs and, even when that they had not, weren’t desperately defending a lead that might have given them a decisive benefit within the title race.
For that cause, the foul that introduced the Frenchman a second yellow card and a one-match suspension consequently regarded a silly one.
Konate will now have time to assume on that second of insanity as he spends the upcoming conflict with Burnley within the stands.
Gakpo gamble fails to repay
Eyebrows had been raised when Klopp revealed in a single pre-match interview that his number of Cody Gakpo forward of Darwin Nunez was a tactical determination.
And, after the Dutchman did not make an influence throughout his 58 minutes on the pitch, the supervisor will little question really feel it is a name that didn’t repay.
Gakpo managed only one shot, accomplished six out of 11 tried passes, and made simply two defensive actions in practically an hour.
Klopp will probably look again on the choice to select him forward of the in-form Nunez as a mistake.
Imminent squad boosts couldn’t be extra well timed
It shouldn’t be forgotten that Liverpool added to a prolonged listing of absentees forward of this recreation when it emerged that Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai wouldn’t be obtainable.
However, with this chastening afternoon out of the best way, there’s hope that issues will look lots brighter for the Reds by the point subsequent weekend’s recreation towards Burnley comes round.
Wataru Endo is assured to be again, whereas Szoboszlai has an opportunity ought to a slight recurrence of a hamstring harm show to not be severe.
And, expectantly, each Kostas Tsimikas and Mohamed Salah might even present an additional increase to a squad that has now welcomed Thiago again.
That additional power and high quality shall be key to getting again on monitor and making certain Liverpool can proceed to problem on 4 fronts going ahead.
