Liverpool's second home defeat of the Premier League campaign came in a 1-0 loss to champions Arsenal, a result that has tempered some of the optimism surrounding Andoni Iraola's rebuilding project. The Reds managed no shots on target, while Arsenal secured their first win at Anfield since 2012.
Over two months into the season, Liverpool had appeared to be heading in the right direction, with five successive victories since their defeat to Manchester City and big-money signings beginning to deliver. However, this loss has likely brought some soaring hopes back down to earth.
Arsenal's early breakthrough
The visitors took the lead after 16 minutes when Alisson Becker's short pass out from the back put Jeremy Jacquet under pressure. The centre-back's strained efforts to keep possession allowed Arsenal to recycle the ball out wide to Declan Rice before Kai Havertz tapped it in at the back post.
Given Arsenal's defensive solidity, the manner of the goal was particularly costly. The Gunners have conceded only five goals all season, three of which came in a shock drubbing at Brighton. This was Liverpool's first concession at home with 11 men on the pitch since August.
Missed chances and a penalty appeal
Liverpool's response was admirable, with Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo all having efforts. Alexis Mac Allister really should have restored parity before the break, heading over when well placed and unmarked inside the area. The Reds recorded 28 touches in the opposition area in the first 45 minutes, the most against Arsenal since those statistics began being collated in 2008.
Isak had earlier gone close to reaching Bradley Barcola's cross but was thwarted by Jurrien Timber's drag back. "It was 100% a penalty," fumed Iraola. "I will tell Alex to go the floor in future." Captain Virgil van Dijk added: "Why does [Isak] have to complain when there is so many cameras? Everyone has seen it."
Second-half frustrations
In the second period, the game became fragmented as referee Bobby Madley stopped play 18 times for fouls committed by Liverpool alone, despite the Reds enjoying 56% possession. Florian Wirtz struck the woodwork from an improbable angle, but Arsenal regrouped at half-time and the storm had largely passed.
Liverpool have scored 11 goals in nine games, and with six-goal top scorer Isak well shackled, the onus on others to step up increases. The club spent an eye-watering £239m on Wirtz and Barcola, and more of an impact on fixtures of this magnitude is being demanded as a result.
This has been a tough weekend for Liverpool, who slipped to a second defeat of the campaign a day after Chelsea and Brighton secured important wins over Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively. Iraola's improving side have seen their expectation levels take a hit, with the plan to rebuild Fortress Anfield still a work in progress.
