Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 4 positives from Carabao Cup exit

2. Transfer Window Kick Up the Backside

Arsenal already knew they needed reinforcements this window. It was plain to see. There was some creeping doubt, though, that with Partey returning early they may have eased up in their efforts to sign a midfielder with three senior options and Mohamed Elneny left to return.

Not least since there is only one competition left to play for.

But the events and performances against Liverpool hammer home the importance of what happens between now and January 31. If there was any minor uncertainties over paying £5m more for X, Y, or Z, they’ve now been dispelled. Arsenal have to act fast.

If there ever is a time where Xhaka and Partey are unavailable, the player Arsenal needs to come into the team is someone with physical dominance; a player who screams ‘central midfielder’ and control. With the aforementioned two missing it’s noticeable how less domineering the Gunners are in the middle of the park.

Lacazette’s dwindling energy reserves also stand out, even if he’s had a full week off from playing. His one chance went begging and a team that is still miles off the likes of Liverpool can’t let such opportunities go to waste. The striker situation is a serious one.

If this result and display kicks transfer activity up by just 5%, then it will help.

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