Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 things we learned - Knocking off the champions

Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 things we learned – Knocking off the champions

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates scoring a goal with Arsenal's Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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2. A gulf in class

While this was a brilliant win for Arsenal, one that they should be praised for — more on this later — in reality, there was little contest between the two teams. Liverpool entirely dominated the match. They utterly controlled proceedings in the second half, holding the Gunners at arm’s length throughout, and were far the superior team in the first half, producing a sublime performance for the opening half-hour.

By full-time, Liverpool had 69% possession, 24 shots to three. They had eight shots on target to Arsenal’s two, had a massive 13 corners, and forced Emiliano Martinez into eight saves. Alisson Becker made none. Liverpool played more than half of Arsenal’s number of passes and completed 23% more. Arsenal’s 62% pass completion rate illustrates their inability to gain a foothold in the match.

Ultimately, if this match was played out another ten times, Arsenal might not win one. They got lucky. That is the gulf in class that Mikel Arteta must somehow span with this project. Based on this performance, it will take a very, very long time.