Liverpool’s Uncharacteristic Match Draws Attention

Given the array of attacking options typically available to Liverpool, it is quite uncommon for them to experience such a striking lack of effectiveness. In fact, one must look back to 2010 to find a similar occurrence.

This remarkable streak of goal-scoring prowess has been a hallmark of the Reds over the years, and they will undoubtedly feel disappointed to see this extraordinary run come to an end. They had achieved an impressive 600 top-flight matches without failing to register a shot on target.

Arne Slot’s team made eight attempts against Arsenal, yet none managed to test Spanish goalkeeper Raya. Therefore, it came as little surprise that the match concluded with a scoreless result.

Liverpool played without some of their key attacking players, as Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah was away representing his country in the Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, record signing Alexander Isak was sidelined due to injury, and top scorer Hugo Ekitike, who has netted 11 goals, was also nursing a knock.

Despite this setback, Slot expressed contentment with his team’s performance. In a post-match interview addressing their failure to hit the target and the limited options in the final third, he noted, “There are more pertinent aspects to discuss regarding both teams at this moment than the quality of the substitutes’ bench. We demonstrated today—once again in a significant match—that we can compete with any top team.

“We have achieved results against almost every major team except for Manchester City, where it was evident we scored an equalizer, but only the referee and VAR seemed unaware. That remains the only match we lost 3-0.

“In our encounters with Arsenal, we’ve proven to be competitive. The question arises as to why we are 14 points behind them, which relates to our difficulties in breaking down low-block defenses. There is also a notable 20-goal deficit between us in set pieces.

“However, in both matches, we showcased our competitiveness. We secured a win at Anfield due to a free-kick, but today did not present any such moments, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline.”

Slot continued, reflecting on Liverpool’s performance against Arsenal, who currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League: “Our pressing of their two center-backs and No.6 (Martin Zubimendi) improved in the second half, allowing us to regain possession more swiftly and restrict their approach to our box. We had long spells of possession, and when they cleared the ball, we quickly regained it and played again. However, credit must be given to Arsenal for their defensive prowess.

“Dominik Szoboszlai had several opportunities, and he possesses a strong shot. Arsenal excels in many areas, particularly in box defending, making it challenging to secure a result against them.

“I am somewhat surprised that people perceive our performance as strong, considering we often receive criticism when we hold 60 or 70% possession against weaker teams. Now, after a performance where we hardly created any chances, it’s viewed positively.

“This is our identity, but we certainly struggle in certain areas, with set-pieces being one of them. We performed admirably in terms of ball possession, but I find it parallels our matches against Leeds at home or Fulham away—dominating possession but not meeting the expectations against a team of Arsenal’s caliber. I completely agree with the desire for us to create more chances.”

As Liverpool remain in fourth place in the standings, they will now shift their focus to the FA Cup, preparing for a third-round matchup against League One side Barnsley on Monday, followed by a Premier League encounter against Burnley at Anfield on January 17.