Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 things we learned – Knocking off the champions

3. That is what pressure does

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to defend with a high-pressing scheme. As Jurgen Klopp has mastered with Liverpool, he instructs the defensive line to squeeze up the pitch, to shrink the space in the opponent’s defensive third, and then cohesively pressuring the ball via the front three attacking players.

This does not mean haring after the ball without a defined plan and coordination. Oftentimes, it simply means occupying a space between two opposing players, such that you can either close the ball or close down the passing lane, preventing the opposition from moving up the pitch with easy passes.

There is a very good reason for this. Pressure forces errors. That does not necessarily lead to turnovers in advanced areas, though it sometimes does, but it does make it difficult for the opposition to keep hold of possession and build out from the back. It invariably gives you the ball, and then that allows you to build pressure with extended periods of possession once more.

Pressure, then, can be a great instigator, controller, and even creator. For half an hour, Arsenal put no pressure on the ball. Then, they stepped up the pitch, were braver in their positioning, and pressed the Liverpool backline. They subsequently scored twice thanks to two Liverpool errors. It is not a coincidence. That is what pressure does.

<p>Here are five things we learned.</p> <div id="attachment_103537" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103537" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1256364795-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1256364795-850x560.jpeg 850w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1256364795-768x506.jpeg 768w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1256364795.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>5. Granit Xhaka continues to hide</h4> <p>In the first half, Arsenal’s issues were quite plain to see: Liverpool’s well-structured press positioned Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in between the Arsenal defence and central midfield. That prevented obvious balls into the midfield, meaning Arsenal either had to play to the wing-back, who could easily be pressed because of their proximity to the sideline, or go long, which often leads to a high number of turnovers.</p> <p>While the system did not help Arsenal’s play in this area due to having only two central midfielders — Mikel Arteta did attempt to remedy this by dropping the centre-forward into central midfield at times and playing them in between the two wingers in a 3-5-2 shape — <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka</a>, the man who is tasked with dictating play from the base of the midfield as a metronomic dictator was entirely absent.</p> <p>Xhaka has a tendency to hide. It is not as if he does not want the ball, but unlike Matteo Guendouzi or Fabinho or Rodri, he does not command the ball from the defence. He is happy for play to bypass him, never taking responsibility to progress the play. The reason is quite simple: he isn’t good enough, and he knows he isn’t and thereby does not have the confidence to request the ball. It led to Liverpool’s building offensive pressure, especially in the first half. It is a serious problem.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Tierney a superb defender, too </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103545" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103545" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1227424330-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by PAUL CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>4. Tierney a superb defender, too</h4> <p>After largely playing in left wing-back role in recent matches, on this occasion, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=kieran+tierney%22>Kieran Tierney</a> featured in a left centre-back role in the back three, replacing the hapless Sead Kolasinac. Bukayo Saka took his place at wing-back, while David Luiz and Rob Holding completed the back three. Tierney was excellent, yet again.</p> <p>Largely up against Mohamed Salah, one of the most prolific and dangerous attackers in the Premier League, Tierney stuck to his task wonderfully. There was one moment when Salah peeled off Tierney to get a free header on goal. Otherwise, the Scottish international was positionally superb, rarely beaten by the Egyptian in one-on-ones, and defended solidly throughout.</p> <p>In a more advanced role, his crossing and technical skill have been obvious. Tierney is a true offensive threat when pushing forward in wide areas. On this occasion, it was his defensive skills that were tested. Tierney met the challenge brilliantly. He is the new standard for Arsenal’s full-backs, one that, at present, only he can reach.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. That is what pressure does </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103534" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103534" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1227407095-1-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>3. That is what pressure does</h4> <p>Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to defend with a high-pressing scheme. As Jurgen Klopp has mastered with Liverpool, he instructs the defensive line to squeeze up the pitch, to shrink the space in the opponent’s defensive third, and then cohesively pressuring the ball via the front three attacking players.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>This does not mean haring after the ball without a defined plan and coordination. Oftentimes, it simply means occupying a space between two opposing players, such that you can either close the ball or close down the passing lane, preventing the opposition from moving up the pitch with easy passes.</p> <p>There is a very good reason for this. Pressure forces errors. That does not necessarily lead to turnovers in advanced areas, though it sometimes does, but it does make it difficult for the opposition to keep hold of possession and build out from the back. It invariably gives you the ball, and then that allows you to build pressure with extended periods of possession once more.</p> <p>Pressure, then, can be a great instigator, controller, and even creator. For half an hour, Arsenal put no pressure on the ball. Then, they stepped up the pitch, were braver in their positioning, and pressed the Liverpool backline. They subsequently scored twice thanks to two Liverpool errors. It is not a coincidence. That is what pressure does.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. A gulf in class </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103549" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103549" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1256366981-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1256366981-850x560.jpeg 850w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1256366981-768x506.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>2. A gulf in class</h4> <p>While this was a brilliant win for Arsenal, one that they should be praised for — more on this later — in reality, there was little contest between the two teams. Liverpool entirely dominated the match. They utterly controlled proceedings in the second half, holding the Gunners at arm’s length throughout, and were far the superior team in the first half, producing a sublime performance for the opening half-hour.</p> <p>By full-time, Liverpool had 69% possession, 24 shots to three. They had eight shots on target to Arsenal’s two, had a massive 13 corners, and forced Emiliano Martinez into eight saves. Alisson Becker made none. Liverpool played more than half of Arsenal’s number of passes and completed 23% more. Arsenal’s 62% pass completion rate illustrates their inability to gain a foothold in the match.</p> <p>Ultimately, if this match was played out another ten times, Arsenal might not win one. They got lucky. That is the gulf in class that Mikel Arteta must somehow span with this project. Based on this performance, it will take a very, very long time.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. A gritty, superb victory </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103550" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103550" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1256370001-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>1. A gritty, superb victory</h4> <p>Speaking to<em> Sky Sports</em> after the match, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> commented on that very gap between the two teams’ qualities. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://twitter.com/jamesbenge/status/1283515213262860289">He said</a>:</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_103526" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <blockquote class="left ampstart-">“The gap is enormous. The gap in many areas we cannot improve in two months.”</blockquote> <p>That is the fact of the matter for the team and club right now. But Arteta also commented on the commitment of his players:</p> <blockquote class="left ampstart-">“The gap between fight, energy, commitment is equal.”</blockquote> <p>For Arsenal, this was a major step in the right direction in regards to their attitude, fight, will to win, defensive work-rate and desire. They ran, they hounded and harassed, they remained resolute under pressure, and repelled attack after attack after attack.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-liverpool-player-ratings/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-things-learned-knocking-champions/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/15/arsenal-liverpool-player-ratings/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Player ratings </a> </div> </div> <p>In essence, this was a very un-Arsenal victory. And that should be of great encouragement for Arteta and his players.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">