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Thread: Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal (4-5 pens). We advance into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. It was certainly a cagey performance. But to finally win at Anfield is physiologically positive. In this thread, I will provide an in-depth review. Likes and RTs would mean a lot
FIRST HALF: Initially, I thought that we would be lining up in a 4-3-3 both in and out of possession. But we once again deployed our 3-4-3 hybrid system. Defensively, we shifted to our familiar 5-4-1 system. During the build-up phase, we moved to a 4-3-3 with Saka drifting into
midfield and as we transitioned forward, it was a 2-3-5. What's interesting to note is that in the cup games, we are utilising the 2-3-5 slightly differently. Against Leicester, AMN would invert and Willock was tasked to create a partnership with the right-sided attacker. But
yesterday, we saw in the first half Cedric overlap and partner Willock. Ceballos, Xhaka, and Kolasinac remained deep to help us cope with transitions. I felt we started the game well. Initially, both Saka and Nico were developing an effective partnership from the left. Our first
opportunity came early on in the game. Xhaka plays a great ball, in behind for Nico to run onto. Willock plays a good pass for Eddie, who should have got his shot off after his first touch. As the half continued, Liverpool grew into the game and started to control proceedings.
What frustrated me was the way our quality in possession dipped after the initial 10 minutes. We managed to find ourselves in promising areas where a little bit more quality would have allowed us to carve open a few opportunities. Cedric on a few occasions received the ball in
good areas, high up the pitch but wasn't able to provide that next bit of quality. Eddie also guilty off this and so were Nico and Saka. This was a common theme in the first half for both sides. In terms of our ability to play our from the back, we saw us struggle to sustain
any passages of play once the ball was played into midfield. Xhaka and Ceballos were very effective in dropping deep and providing simple passing options. But there were a few occasions where we gave the ball away and Liverpool could have capitalised on turnovers. Credit to Klopp
and the way he drills his team to press. Defensively, we were very disciplined in our 5-4-1 shape with Saka doing a good job in supporting Kolasinac. Likewise on the opposite flank.Liverpool did however miss a great chance with Minamino failing to convert the rebound after Jota's
Jota's header was saved by Bernd.
SECOND HALF: After the interval, we saw Liverpool continue to maintain good levels of control in the game. In the first half, we saw us, from an attacking point of view, utilise both flanks. Pepe and Saka from the left, Cedric and Willock on the
SECOND HALF: After the interval, we saw Liverpool continue to maintain good levels of control in the game. In the first half, we saw us, from an attacking point of view, utilise both flanks. Pepe and Saka from the left, Cedric and Willock on the
right. But the common theme in the second half was that any passages of play were predominantly coming through the left. Liverpool certainly were the ones who created the better chances. From a set piece situation, We failed to win both the first and second balls and had it not
have been for Leno's sharp save from a VVD header, the hosts would have taken the lead. The other great chance came through a long ball over the top for Jota. Kolasinac gets himself in an awkward position, misjudges the flight of the ball, and Leno, once again makes a great stop.
Our best opportunity came from a short corner between Pepe and Saka. Nico receives the ball back from Bukayo, delivers an excellent cross for Holding who should have scored. But overall, despite Liverpool being the more threatening, their chances came through us making individual
errors. Minamino's miss in the first half came from us not doing enough to prevent the cross and Willock failing to stay with his man. VVD header came from us failing to win the second ball. Jota's chance came through Kola misjudging the flight of the ball. So you can see that
there were no problems with regards to our structure and this is where huge amounts of credit must go to Arteta. With regards to the penalty shootout, Laca, Cedric, AMN, Nico and Joe converted their spot-kicks whilst Leno did his job in making two crucial saves from Origi and
Wilson. Now let's discuss individual displays.
I've always said that as a GK, a huge aspect you need, mentally, is to possess the ability to put poor performances behind you and continue to maintain consistency. Are you able to react? This is what I love about Leno. He has made
I've always said that as a GK, a huge aspect you need, mentally, is to possess the ability to put poor performances behind you and continue to maintain consistency. Are you able to react? This is what I love about Leno. He has made
mistakes since joining us in 2018. But he never lets errors hamper his levels of consistency. He didn't have the best game on Monday. But yesterday, he was the difference and my MOTM. Some crucial saves during key moments in the game. He was playing the ball a lot quicker when in
possession and who can forget the two vital penalty stops from Origi and Wilson. Fantastic display! Holding provided us with a good defensive display. Dealt with many situations that came his way and was a lot better in possession. In games where we sit deep, surrender possession
Rob can be effective. 3 games now for Gabriel and 3 very good performances. Commanding, physical, aggressive, and his qualities in possession are so desirable. This is why I was screaming for us to sign either him or Dayot. Broke the lines on a few occasions with intricate passes
and some good balls over the top. Kola also played fairly well. A few shaky moments, such as the poor header in our box in the first half as well as getting caught out by the ball over the top for Jota in the second. But overall, it was a good display. Defensively, Cedric did
well. But offensively he delayed his final pass too many times, particularly in the first half. Saka was lively and started the game well. But he was sloppy in possession and certainly wasn't his best overall game. But what a talent he is! Both Xhaka and Ceballos were very good
in terms of providing simple passing options to Leno and the CBs. Xhaka broke the lines well, particularly in the first half. Pepe similarly to our game against Liverpool at home in the PL last season played from the left. Despite some promising moments, he was frustrating and
it's clear that he is lacking an aspect of confidence. But what was promising was that he was a lot more involved because of how 'left-sided' we are. But for me, he should play on the right, as an inside forward. Although I do believe that interchange will allow him to be more
dangerous. Joe definitely provided us with an engine. Worked hard and did ok, despite playing in a more unfamiliar position. I still do believe that he needs a loan as it will certainly quicken his development. Eddie struggled to provide an influence but you can't fault his work
rate and how he always presses with high intensity. Yes, Liverpool had more shots than us and were threatening. But when you go to places like Anfield, you need the fine margins to go for you. And it definitely did, with Leno being the key man. Hope you enjoyed the read
