Three Things We Learned from Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool 

Ahead of the Gunners League Cup clash at Preston Ian Mills reflects on Arsenal's draw with Liverpool at the Emirates 

It was a pulsating atmosphere in North London on Sunday as the teams occupying third and second spot played out an entertaining score draw, writes Ian Mills.

Here are three things that stood out for the loyal Arsenal supporter and long-time Gooner Fanzine print writer.

1 - Injuries 

It’s fair to say that whilst we did suffer some injuries last season, we still managed to maintain a very consistent spine of the team – Ramsdale/Raya – Gabriel, Saliba, Odegaard, Rice, Saka and (eventually) Havertz.

This season we are suffering a spate of injuries, particularly in the back four. 

Already without the suspended Saliba, we were missing Calafiori and neither Gabriel or Timber would complete the game. To say our defence was makeshift by the final whistle is the understatement of the season so far.

I still think we are a little short upfront (more of that anon) however it is clear that we are going to need some better luck with injuries if we are to mount a title challenge for a third season in succession.

2 - Lady Luck not on our side

I am not just talking about this game, I think it is fair to say that in the nine league games we have played so far we have not exactly had the rub of the green.

Focusing on this match in isolation however, there were several contentious moments. Virgil van Dijk’s two kicks at Havertz in the opening minutes went unpunished, this incident was at least worthy of a yellow card. Luis Diaz kicking the ball away when we were awarded a free kick was not met with a caution. Konate’s challenge on Martinelli in the penalty area was clumsy and had that been Gabriel on Salah at Anfield for example I think it is given. 

VAR did allow Mikel Merino’s goal to stand, although only after an interminable delay. In injury time we were denied a clear corner. A neutral observer might say we are clutching at straws at this point however, our consistency from set pieces makes every one a genuine threat to the opposition.

However, for me the decision that rankles with me the most is the late ‘goal’ from Jesus. Anthony Taylor blue his whistle for a perceived foul by Kiwor when he won a header.

Neither set of players stopped playing and for me this should have been allowed to stand. Given our depleted resources a point was still a decent result however a win would have given us such a confidence boost.

Four points have slipped through our fingers in the draws to City and Liverpool and you wonder how much they make come back to haunt us.

3 - Be more clinical in attack 

This is where our title challenge will either succeed or flounder.

We have a very good defence and a solid midfield, if a little lacking in creativity minus Martin Odegaard. Upfront is where most fans thought we could have done with an uprgade this summer and where there are still questions marks over certain players.

Havertz leads the line well and has improved immeasurably since joining the club however in the immediate aftermath of the Konate/Martinelli challenge he skied a chance over the bar.

Gabi Martinell himself put a chance to close to the keeper in the Bournemouth game with score at 0-0 albeit (as a former goalkeeper myself) I thought this was a good save. 

I am not trying to persecute these two players however we are going to need goals from everywhere in the absence of a 30 goal ‘hitman’. Jesus needs to start finding the back of the net and Raheem Sterling is going to require a huge improvement on his performances to date.

Goals from the likes of Odegaard, Trossard and Rice will be crucial too and our back four are all capable of adding to our goal tally.

With Preston, Newcastle, Inter and Chelsea all away from home on the horizon we are going to need to take our chances when they come.

Ian Mills 

You can read Ian in the new print issue (308) of the Gooner Fanzine out now. Buy it here