All it took was 20 minutes. In 1/3 of an hour Liverpool cemented themselves as one of the Premier League's most explosive offensive juggernauts, while in that same space of time Arsenal's title hopes were put into serious question. 4 goals by Liverpool in the first 20 minutes put the match & possibly Arsenal's title hopes to bed. The 5-1 result was damning enough, but the ruthlessness of the Liverpool attack & the limited fight back or resistance by Arsenal was especially surprising. This result could have a massive effect on how the rest of the season concludes. To sum up the early match this morning, here's The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Almost everything Liverpool did today was brilliant. Attacking Arsenal from the outset, superb service & finishing from set pieces to name just a few. But the part that stood out for me was the fact that Liverpool completely dominated the midfield. The play of Philippe Coutinho & Jordan Henderson disrupted an Arsenal midfield that has been unrivalled for the majority of the season. Henderson & Steven Gerrard masterfully quashed any Arsenal attacks, which were few & far between anyways.
Coutinho, on the other hand, pulled the strings in the midfield, dribbling past Arsenal's midfield & slicing through perfect passes behind the Arsenal back four. The Brazilian created 5 chances on his own in today's match. With more efforts like this Coutinho should be in serious consideration to make the Brazilian World Cup squad.
THE BAD
Despite being Arsenal's signature summer signing & making a dream start for the club, Mesut Ozil has been barely noticeable in the last month or so. It is undeniable that Ozil is one of the most talented players in the Premier League, but the physical nature of the Premier League may be taking its toll on the young German. In today's match Ozil looked unmotivated, lazy & was a root cause of one of the goals given up by the Gunners in the 1st half. Ozil hung on to the ball for far too long on the left flank & was eventually dispossessed by Jordan Henderson, which led to a Liverpool counter attack & Raheem Sterling goal only moments later.
With Aaron Ramsey missing due to injury until at least early March & Ozil in dreadful form, the once dominant Arsenal midfield is in serious trouble. Arsene Wenger needs his star signing to live up to his price tag.
THE UGLY
Following Liverpool's best performance in the Premier League this season, it may give Red's supporters added pleasure that a former Everton midfielder was one of the main reasons their team thrashed Arsenal today. Mikel Arteta, a former Toffees stalwart, plays for Arsenal but is turning into the club's weakest link. Arteta is in the squad to track back, provide cover for Arsenal's back four & break up passes in the midfield. He is doing very little of that currently. For the past 2 months or so, the Spaniard has been Arsenal's poorest performer despite the team sitting a top the league. Arteta's lack of pace have him chasing players in the midfield most of the time and not breaking up passes in front of him. Arteta is losing possession, which puts himself & his team mates in a poor position to defend. It looked like Arteta was playing in quick sand today.
With Mathieu Flamini suspended for the Manchester United fixture on Wednesday, Arsenal will need Arteta to occupy the same role in midfield. Poor Arsenal fans are asking when "star signing" Kim Kallstrom will be fit to play. Arsene Wenger's decision to not splash the cash in January could prove costly.
Until next time,
RJ
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