Skrtel challenging against Arsenal on Monday
Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal was a missed opportunity for the Reds, highlighting their improved performance compared to the opening two fixtures against Stoke City and Bournemouth.
A point is always worth taking from any trip to the Emirates Stadium, but Liverpool had plenty of chances to take three, a welcome sign given the lack of creativity in Liverpool’s pair of 1-0 wins prior to Monday night.
Based on this display, Liverpool fans should be fuelled with hope of further points in the tough away games ahead.
On the other hand, Arsenal played their part in a thrilling stalemate, especially in the second half, while they also had a deserved goal ruled out for offside.
Aside from some luck from the officials (a welcome change so far this season), Liverpool’s defence was the key reason behind a third successive clean sheet, in a match where few expected the Reds to keep one.
The additions of Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne on the defensive flanks have been immense in improving Liverpool’s back line, while, whisper it quietly, Dejan Lovren could yet become a player for Liverpool Football Club this season.
He and Martin Skrtel have started the season well, and the back four as a whole seem more cohesive and organised, illustrated by Liverpool being one of three teams not to make a mistake leading to a shot.
Gomez seems to be defending first and attacking second which is helping protect Lovren and improving his confidence and assurance. The Croatian’s positioning has improved, he is less rash in interceptions and now has cover in Gomez so there is less pressure if he makes a mistake.
The defender is showing the beginnings of great form this season
Meanwhile, Clyne has been bombing up and down the pitch at will, with stamina comparable to Jordan Henderson and James Milner. He knows how to defend and attack, and is a huge upgrade on the unreliable Glen Johnson.
Furthermore, Liverpool possess depth in the defensive positions for the season ahead. Gomez cannot be expected to play every game this season, especially when he is not actually a left-back. Jon Flanagan is still returning from injury but, when back to his best, the Scouser will provide great competition for both full-back positions.
Moreover, in the centre, Mamadou Sakho will be desperate for games given the competition for places in the French defence, with Euro 2016 less than a year away. Kolo Toure and Tiago Ilori complete the list of centre-backs as the experienced and young back-ups respectively.
If any improvement could be made to the defence, perhaps an experienced full-back would be useful, as it will take a while for Flanagan to regain his peak form, assuming that he can reach those 2013/14 heights again.
Clyne and Gomez have no rivals for their positions at the moment, with Alberto Moreno barely featuring so far and perhaps not trusted defensively by Rodgers, as when the Spaniard came on against Arsenal it was in an advanced position.
Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa would be ideal, as he has Premier League experience from his earlier years with the club, can play at right and left-back and would not expect to be an automatic starter at 32. Therefore, he would provide excellent depth and could help Gomez adapt as a full-back (although so far Gomez may not need it!).
Plus, he is unlikely to be expensive – perhaps our old pal Rafa could let Liverpool have Arbeloa for nothing!
A one year deal with an option for a further year – nothing to lose for Liverpool, Rodgers and Arbeloa, as his game time in Spain will be incredibly limited should he remain in Madrid.
Liverpool’s pressing and attacking in general were very impressive against Arsenal, hurrying the Gunners and forcing them into mistakes. All over the pitch Liverpool were improved – ironic given that their best performance resulted in a draw, but such was the calibre of opponent the Reds were facing.
Milner, Emre Can and Lucas together formed a resolute midfield three that was very tough to break down, forcing Arsenal wide when they had Aaron Ramsey, a centre midfielder, and Alexis Sanchez, who likes to cut inside, on the wings.
The young defender has been a huge bonus since the season started
Christian Benteke continued his impressive start to the season, and really should have scored had it not been for Petr Cech’s heroics. Benteke dominated whenever he had the ball against Arsenal’s defensive pairing of Calum Chambers and Gabriel, while Roberto Firmino showed some decent touches as he continues to settle into life at Liverpool.
Yet, as usual, most of Liverpool’s best moments came through their main man. Philippe Coutinho hit the bar twice in the first half – once because of another magnificent save from Cech, the other because he struck the ball slightly too high and should have scored.
Nevertheless, he was an irritating source of trouble for Arsenal throughout and a constant threat on the counter as Arsenal dominated the second half.
Coutinho’s status continues to grow at Anfield, but he must have a career best goals/assists tally this season if he and Liverpool are to make the next step under Rodgers and return to the Champions League.
So far, the defence certainly look capable of achieving that target, something no one would have stated at the end of last season.
