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Jota more than a joker
If Diogo Jota’s first outing at Anfield is a barometer, Liverpool can expect plenty of action from the Portuguese.
Eyebrows were raised in some quarters as the Reds spent an initial £ 41 million to take on the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward.
And he wasted no time trying to justify that expense.
In a late cameo that lasted just 13 minutes, Jota fired a deflected shot, dragged a gold-edged opportunity into the side net, and then had a direct opportunity that ripped his toes off his inadvertent touch from Mohamed Salah.
That, however, was quite a rehearsal for the main event when, two minutes from the end of regulation time, a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold got in his way through the Arsenal and Jota defense, loitering at the edge of the box, took a bunt before scoring on the post.
Jurgen Klopp’s decision to replace the excellent Sadio Mane with Jota at the end was testament not only to his team’s faith in attacking threat, but also that the new kid could make a positive difference. And how.
In time, the Portugal international will be much more than a joker for the Reds manager to further baffle the opposition. Liverpool’s investment is long-term.
But in terms of instant impact, it couldn’t have been much better for the new kid.
Thiago warned
While Thiago Alcantara’s absence was a setback given his impressive 45 minutes at Chelsea this past weekend, the blow was not insurmountable.
As Jurgen Klopp pointed out before the game, it’s not that Liverpool’s current midfielders haven’t accomplished much in the past two years.
With Arsenal, unsurprisingly, sitting deep in the first half and inviting the Reds to break them, this was precisely the kind of game Thiago had been bought for.
Not that the established order in midfield, aside from the injured Jordan Henderson, was lacking, as they offered a reminder of his attributes.
The trio could be happy with their work.
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Fabinho was a major influence, particularly during the early stages, when a succession of solid tackles and interceptions allowed Liverpool to dominate and accumulate concerted pressure.
The Brazilian had excelled as a substitute center-back against Chelsea, but returning to his role as a preferred defensive midfielder, he was even better here.
Alongside him, Gini Wijnaldum, hardworking as ever, used the ball effortlessly economically before letting go in the second half when gaps began to appear.
Do you want more reaction? Watch the post-game podcast HERE
And Naby Keita, in his third consecutive Premier League start, made enough holes in Arsenal’s rear with his willingness to take possession forward.
Thiago will now find out. No one is guaranteed a place in Liverpool’s midfield, not even the reigning Champions League champs.
Reds make a title statement
Since winning the Premier League title, there has been a school of thought that there is only one team that can prevent Liverpool from retaining their crown.
Liverpool.
With so many of their rivals already this season having new or ongoing problems exposed, Manchester City in the most obvious way possible against Leicester City on Sunday, the Reds have had a chance to lay a solid foundation.
That is, of course, as long as they avoid the individual mistakes that have crept into their game since resuming action after blocking.
It cost them nothing here and in any case it took Andy Robertson only nine minutes to make up for his mistake on Arsenal’s first goal by putting Liverpool ahead by coldly converting Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.
From one wing to the other, it was the ultimate justification for the Reds’ tactical approach, and an example of the determination that this team still possesses.
Liverpool are now 61 league games at home unbeaten, two less than the club’s record, while since 2011 the reigning champions have not won their first three Premier League matches the following season.
Chelsea last week, Arsenal is there. Liverpool’s title rivals know this red giant will have to stop once again.
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