MIKEL ARTETA played it safe against Liverpool and it cost Arsenal dear.
The Gunners boss set up for a draw at Anfield on Sunday.
GettyMikel Arteta’s cautious approach allowed Liverpool to beat Arsenal at Anfield[/caption]
But his cautious approach opened the door for the Reds to nick victory at the death.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick saw the champions move clear at the top of the table with three wins from as many games.
And Arsenal’s title fight will now see them have to reel Liverpool back into the mix as the season goes on.
Here, SunSport’s Charlie Wyett explores just how the Londoners let it slip on Merseyside…
ARTETA TO BLAME
If Arteta is to lead Arsenal to the title, he has to be braver when his team is in a strong position.
The coach left it too late to make his changes, bringing on Eberechi Eze and Odegaard in the 70th minute when Liverpool were taking a grip.
Six points out of nine is not bad — but Arsenal have difficult games coming up against Newcastle and Manchester City.
Gunners were unbeaten in their previous 22 matches against the Big Six. That impressive run stretched back to a defeat at Manchester City in April 2023.
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Importantly, though, none of their victories came away at arch rivals Liverpool and City.
The last time Arsenal won at Anfield was in 2012 at the start of the Brendan Rodgers era — with Arteta playing that day.
GettyArsenal showed a lack of creativity in midfield[/caption]
ReutersThe Gunners put out three defence-minded players[/caption]
NO MIDFIELD CREATIVITY
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino was a surprise starter, with Gabriel Martinelli the other change from the 5-0 win over Leeds.
Last term Merino scored in both the home and away matches, while he also got a second yellow card at Anfield.
He did his best to unsettle the home defence, particularly at corners, even though team-mate Declan Rice failed to cause any problems from the set-pieces.
Players have been warned there will be a clampdown on wrestling opponents.
Kop midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was involved in a skirmish with Merino, although a VAR check offered nothing.
Merino should then have been given a booking for throwing himself to the ground theatrically to try to get a penalty following another wayward Rice corner.
And despite annoying Liverpool at set-pieces, Merino was unable to unlock the home defence, with Noni Madueke Arsenal’s most effective forward by some distance.
Marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, like in the first game at Manchester United, was once again feeding off scraps.
INJURY NIGHTMARE CONTINUES
New season, same old story for Arsenal’s medical staff, who certainly earn their dosh.
You have to wonder what boss Mikel Arteta does to his side in training.
Arsenal went into this game with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Christian Norgaard all sidelined, while Gabriel Jesus is a long-term absentee.
GettyArsenal’s injury misery continued with William Saliba[/caption]
ReutersCristhian Mosquera looked solid in his absence[/caption]
Captain Martin Odegaard was only fit enough for the bench.
There were under four minutes on the clock when William Saliba fell to the ground after a challenge with Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike.
Cristhian Mosquera — a £13million arrival from Valencia — was quickly stripped and ready.
At Leeds the previous week, he made his Premier League debut because Jurrien Timber is having his minutes managed as he returns from injury.
And he delivered a solid, encouraging performance.
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