Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 4 talking points from spirited defeat

Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara watches as Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker saves a shot from Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 16, 2022. - - 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 Adrian DENNIS / 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. / 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 ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Missed Chances and Defensive Errors Prove Costly

You could argue that, for the most part, Arsenal was the better side in the first half. After the break Liverpool started well and had the ball in the net, but Mane was offside. However, it was what happened minutes later that Arsenal fans will be wishing went differently.

Liverpool keeper Alisson was forced into a superb save after Thiago’s poor backpass allowed Alexandre Lacazette to intercept. The Frenchman then teed up Odegaard with the goal at his mercy only for Alisson to get a glove on it to deny the Norwegian.

Odegaard had to score. You can’t turn down golden opportunities like that. These matches are so often decided on the fine margins.

And that told. Just a couple of minutes later Thiago slid in a neat pass for Jota, who beat Ramsdale at his near post. The Gunners keeper has been in sublime form this season, but the error to allow such space at his near post is something he will not want to see again. You can’t be beaten there.

Just nine minutes later and with Arsenal reeling, Liverpool doubled their lead. Taken aback by conceding, the home side was sloppy in possession, and it allowed Liverpool to pile on the pressure. Missed kicks and clumsy challenges eventually ended up with Bukayo Saka trying to clear the ball, before a lucky ricochet off Robertson allowed the full-back to drive to the by-line where he picked out Firmino to double the lead.

Could Benjamin White have closed the space? Why did Cedric move away? Was Gabriel too unaware of Firmino ghosting in behind him? It’s elite focus that is needed at all times.

All of Arsenal’s great work for the first 50 minutes was undone in the space of nine minutes. Had Odegaard found the net it would have been fascinating to see how the game would have played out.

Fine margins.

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