Forget Salah: Liverpool’s 31-touch behemoth just dominated Arsenal in feisty first-half

Posted by
Konate, Liverpool
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / 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 PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The plaudits will be heading in Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s respective directions at the moment.

The Liverpool pair combined wonderfully for the hosts’ equalising goal, with the former latching on to a superb long-range pass from the No.66.

However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that an opportunity to contest the tie was provided in the first place by the brilliant defensive work of Ibrahima Konate in the first-half of action.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher drops tongue-in-cheek tweet on Ten Hag & Gary Neville managerial comparison

READ MORE: Gary Neville & Jamie Carragher just agreed on Liverpool’s title chances after Man Utd draw

What do the stats say?

The French international recorded an applaudable four tackles, winning four out of six ground duels, one aerial duel and registering one key pass, according to Sofascore.

Such is the former RB Leipzig man’s importance in this tie that he’s managed to keep dangerous Arsenal wide man Gabriel Martinelli relatively quiet on the right flank.

If he can manage more of the same for the second – we’ll be in a very good position to vie for the lion’s share of the points ahead of full-time.

As ever – absolutely into these, Reds!

📖 Anfield Annals: John Smith – Liverpool’s Red Knight and Most Successful Chairman

More Stories Ibrahima Konate Liverpool