3 lessons learned as Arsenal beat the champions Liverpool
Manchester City’s 100-point record is safe!
Liverpool implode at the Emirates as huge gaffes from Alisson and Virgil van Dijk allowed Arsenal to steal an unlikely 2-1 victory. The result also means the Reds won’t be able to emulate or surpass Manchester City‘s record haul of 100 points, as the maximum they can now achieve is 99.
Sadio Mane opened the account for the visitors with a well-worked goal, but the Gunners quickly turned the screw by capitalizing on some shocking howlers by the aforesaid Reds duo.
The talking points as champions miss out on yet another record:
Liverpool stalwarts commit embarrassing blunders
The bigger you are, the harder you fall. Alisson and Virgil van Dijk have been the unflinching bulwark of this Liverpool juggernaut since the last two years or so. The tremendous success of the team during this period has been built on the solid performances of these stars, but last night was so anticlimactic of just that.
Firstly, the Dutch centre-back played a horrific return pass to Alisson while under pressure from Nelson which was intercepted by Lacazette, who then rounded the ‘keeper to equalise. Minutes later, it was the Brazilian’s turn to err – or screw up, more like – as he sloppily gave away possession for Lacazette to intervene once again, and square it to Nelson for the winner.
The Reds miss out on City’s ‘centurions’
Liverpool’s stuttering form on either side of the lockdown saw all the dreams of emulating Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’, Manchester United’s ‘treble’, and now Manchester City’s ‘centurions’ record, all disappointingly squished. The latest setback is particularly hurtful because the Reds imploded spectacularly, while the catalysts were two unlikeliest of the players.
Now the maximum that this team can reach is 99 points, which is by no means unremarkable, but it certainly is a damp squib considering the early season permutations. Up until February, this team was on a tear and well on course to surpass the 100-points tally with consummate ease, but now their phenomenal campaign is heading to an underwhelming conclusion.
Arsenal’s European hopes get massive boost
The Gunners weren’t exactly the better side last night, but deserve credit for taking their chances well and also keeping it organised at the back when Liverpool threw the kitchen sink in the dying exchanges. That was somehow enough to secure all the three points, something which looked unlikely before the kick off given the side’s facile derby loss just days ago.
And yet, here they are, still in contention for the Europa League. Arsenal must now take all the six points from the remaining two games and also hope that Tottenham and Sheffield both drop points in theirs. Given the vastly inferior goal-difference with Manchester United, Mikel Arteta‘s side will not finish higher than sixth, but securing European football would still salvage some pride for a team which appeared to be at its lowest ebb in years.
Liverpool next play Chelsea at Anfield in the Premier League, whereas Arsenal go to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City.
