Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal: Things We Learnt

Arsenal faced Liverpool at Anfield, losing 3-1 in a dominant performance by Liverpool. Although the team tried, silly mistakes and general lack of quality cost Arsenal the game. Liverpool now continuing there 100% record, look to be dominant as ever. But what can Arsenal take from this game, well here's things we learnt.

Emery Is An OK Manager:

Although Unai has brought a positive energy around the club, Emery is a sub par manager. I think in the Premier League he is behind Pocchetino, Klopp, Guardiola and Rodgers as the best managers (close to Ralph Hasenhuttl). He plays too many at the back, regularly makes bad substitutions and starts not the right players. For example: If wanting to play a back 4, why not play a 4-3-3 with our main front men and play Ceballos further back and sub out one of the midfielders for Lacazette. Why wasn't Torreira starting and why not play a back 3 with Kolasinac on the left so they can attack and bring Chambers in. Even if he makes Champions League, I would not renew his contract and go for Allegri/someone of higher calibre.

We Need To Sign A New Centre Back In January:

After signing David Luiz on deadline day, it is already very clear we need another centre back. Luiz really cost us this game giving away a stupid penalty and letting Salah straight through. Upamecano was heavily linked and could be an amazing option as Leipzig might be pressured to sell with only 18 months left on his contract (in January). Obviously that may mean the likes of Sokratis may not play as much but it would be a big improvement on a shaky defence.

We Need Our Fullbacks Back:

Simply, Maitland Niles and Monreal aren't good enough. Nacho is 33 years old and while previously being good enough, his age has really caught up with him. Maitland Niles simply doesn't perform well at right back and needs to be either sent on loan or put in his preferred midfield position as he simply is not adequate enough to play at right back. Tierney and Bellerin are crucial to our team and are needed to come back from injury soon.

Nicolas Pepe Looks Exciting:

Nicolas Pepe had a very good game, often spinning Alexander Arnold out having a good game. Obviously he should of finished his chance, but he was very promising. He is the only player to beat Virgil Van Dijk in a 1 on 1 since Mikel Merino in the 2017/18 season. Pepe showed skill, pace and awareness showing glimpses of his £72m price tag.