Reds Defence Proved They Are Stronger At Arsenal
Liverpool travelled to London for their toughest test of this young season so far against an Arsenal team that many regard as title challengers this season. Brendan Rodgers men passed the test with flying colours in a pulsating scoreless draw that kept Liverpool’s record of not conceding a goal this season intact.
In a proverbial game of two halves it was Liverpool who had the better of the first half as the visitors took the game to the hosts and caused Arsenal’s makeshift defence no end of problems as Arsene Wenger was left to thank his goalkeeper Petr Cech for keeping his team in the game that ultimately resulted in the former Chelsea keeper earning the man of the match award.
Benteke was denied by a miraculous save by Cech and Coutinho was twice denied with the woodwork in the first half. Although Liverpool were the dominant team in the first half Arsenal had a goal chalked off when Ramsey thought he had put the hosts’ ahead in a tight decision.
But it was no surprise to see Arsenal improve in the second half and they put Liverpool under tremendous pressure at time in the second half with Mignolet making some good saves to keep the Reds in the game. Arsenal’s best chance saw Sanchez strike the outside of Mignolet’s post but Liverpool’s defence stood up to some intense pressure from Wenger’s men.
In the past Liverpool would have conceded under this kind of pressure but Rodgers has his team playing as a formidable defensive unit with every player knowing their responsibility.
Gomez and Clyne were superb under pressure against the pace on the flanks that Arsenal possess and Skrtel and Lovren were rocks in the heart of Liverpool’s defence as they seem to be forming an impressive partnership together with every passing game.
Lucas was vital in Liverpool’s midfield and he showed how important he is in difficult away games. Milner never stopped running and his experience was vital and Emre Can played well and tried to burst forward when possible knowing the ever reliable Lucas was behind him.
Coutinho was his mesmerising self and was so unlucky not to score and Firmino worked hard and showed signs of quality that Liverpool supporters can expect to see on a regular basis when he is fully match fit.
What a difference it is to see Liverpool with an attacking threat in Benteke as the big forward was unplayable at time in the first half and must have wondered how he never scored as Cech pulled off that wonder save.
It feels strange to be happy with a point at Arsenal after missing so many chances in the first half but we were hanging on a bit in the second half and we could easily have lost the game but for some superb defending.