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2-0 was the final score when the whistle blew at the Emirates on on Saturday and Arsenal were victorious after a truly professional display. Although the Reds were unlucky that their quick free kick goal was ruled out by the referee, but Liverpool had little to complain about as they had been clearly outplayed by the Gunners for the battle for top of the table. Although the Anfield side are still on course for their targeted top four finish this season, here are 4 things Liverpool should learn from the defeat against Arsenal.
1) Daniel Agger should be brought back
Agger has not featured lately for Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers fields Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel as three central defenders in a 3-5-2 formation. All three of them have been in good form this season but the Reds have clearly missed the services of their vice-captain as Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet since their 1-0 win against arch rivals Manchester United at Anfield, which was the last match Agger started. Summer signing Mamadou Sakho has still not been paired with Daniel Agger by Rodgers so far this season, which is very surprising as Agger is match fit now.
2) Back three should be changed to the regular back four formation
Liverpool have deployed a backline of three central defenders with two additional wingbacks playing ahead of them. Maybe this move was made by Rodgers due to the injuries sustained to Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique and also to accommodate the new summer signings Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho with Martin Skrtel, but Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet with this formation so far. Toure and Sakho always seem under pressure when they drift wide during attacks as they lack pace and the wing backs are also exposed during counter attacks. Enrique and Johnson are fit now and Liverpool must switch back to the normal four defender system with Enrique and Johnson as fullbacks.
3) The SAS combination does not guarentee goals
Nicknamed as the SAS, Sturridge and Suarez maybe one of the fiercest strike force in the Premier League now, but they do not guarantee Liverpool goals. The duo has started the season brightly with 10 goals in 5 starts between them, but their shortcomings were exposed on Saturday against a good Arsenal defence . Although Suarez spurred a few good chances towards the death, Arsenal had relatively managed to keep the duo quiet for most parts of the game.
4) Henderson should be rested
Jordan Henderson has played every minute for Liverpool this season, but being an attacking midfielder, has failed to produce a single assist or goal so far in the league. His link up play has definitely improved a lot under Rodgers, but zero assists and goals is a really poor return from an attacking midfielder who has played every minute of the season so far. Raheem Sterling and Victor Moses should also be given chances to prove their first team credentials as attacking midfielders .
