3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool

Positive #2: Breaking psychological barriers

This was as tough a game psychologically as it was physically for Arsenal. Liverpool have inflicted so much pain on the Gunners over the years. Many felt, however, that this was the Gunners’ time in the Sun.

The once imperious Reds headed into Sunday’s bout in poor form and even Jamie Carragher feared that the visitors could be blown away in the opening 30 minutes (per Gary Neville). His worst fears were realised in the opening minute when Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring, but Liverpool weathered the storm and started to assert control on the contest.

The Gunners, so used to playing on the front foot, could’ve wilted when Thiago was masterfully orchestrating proceedings and the signs were ominous after they deservedly drew level. Arsenal were pinned back in a manner which we’ve rarely seen in 2022, but a goal against the run of play at the end of the half eased any tension inside the Emirates.

Saka’s strike in first-half stoppage time laid the foundations for the aforementioned second-half showing. The final 45 minutes were unlike anything Arsenal have produced against Klopp’s Liverpool since the 3-3 draw in Arsene Wenger’s final season at the club.

It must’ve taken Arteta at half-time (there must’ve been another Thomas Edison-inspired speech) for the Gunners to realise that not only can they compete with the opposition, but they’re actually superior.

Thus, it felt like a psychological barrier was broken on Sunday, with starboy Saka epitomising this newfound mentality. His infamous penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final shootout was the worst moment of his blossoming young career, but he dispatched his spot-kick with the utmost conviction against, arguably, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Negative #2: Inferiority complex wanted to manifest

Arteta’s Arsenal have been defined by their aggression and intensity out of possession, as well as their fluidity and technical quality with the ball.

They’ve been able to play their way no matter the opposition so far this season, but Liverpool forced Arsenal into a defensive shape that we’ve rarely seen from them in 2022/23. Perhaps the Gunners showed too much respect to their vulnerable visitors, but the Reds still possess the quality to pin back opponents and sustain attacks – there’s no doubting that.

Thiago was fantastic in the first half, and the Spaniard single-handedly brought the visitors back into the game with his technical quality in midfield. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka couldn’t get near the Liverpool star, and there were times when Arsenal were relying on swift transitions as a means of chance creation.

Thus, the opening period at the Emirates on Sunday was the manifestation of Arsenal attempting to break through their inferiority complex. Liverpool pinned them back for much of the half, yet they went into half-time with the lead thanks to efficient final third play.

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