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In what was an expected pulsating encounter which in fairness, was dominated by Liverpool, it was Arsenal who snatched the win in the dying minutes thanks to a sensational volley from van Persie yet again, after scoring the equalizer earlier on cancelling out Liverpool’s opener coming from a Koscielny own goal. There were many things to digest from this game but let’s look at 3 main things which we’ve learned from the clash at Anfield.
Robin van Persie is the best striker in England, without doubt.
This already goes without saying but today probably cemented van Persie’s position as the best striker in the Premier League. With only 2 chances, van Persie slotted both of them home and what stunning goals they were! In the last 4 league games that Robin van Persie has scored, he has netted with every single shot on target he has attempted as well. His double today took his tally to 31 goals for the season while taking his PL tally to 25, matching the Dutch PL goalscoring record of Manchester United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy in a single season. Mark him all you want but he will eventually score. Headers, free-kicks, penalties, volleys, long-rangers, tap-ins – is there anyway van Persie can’t score?
Luis Suarez is a decent player but…
Needs to control his on-field theatrics.
Luis Suarez simply has to stop with his theatrics, simulation and diving. It’s gotten to a point where even Liverpool fans can’t defend him. No denying that he had a stunning game – intelligent movement and turns while simply oozing creativity and quite unlucky not to score, however…his fall for the Liverpool penalty was very debatable. At first glance, it was a dive, at second, minimal contact. But the theatrics of Suarez would have you believe he broke his foot. Later in the game as well, the theatrics continued. If he just focused on winning challenges and scoring goals instead of trying to win fouls and get players sent off, he’d be less of a target for the media.
Not losing at home or barely conceding goals don’t help.
Liverpool not winning enough games at Anfield.
Even though Liverpool lost today at Anfield, they still haven’t suffered a lot of defeats at home in the Premier League this season…but does it matter? After today, it is now 4 wins, 8 draws and 1 loss at home – 19 dropped points at home which is more than the last two seasons combined, definitely not up to the mark of a club seeking a top 4 place. Liverpool have a good defensive record as well, only conceding 25 goals with Manchester City, being the only club to have conceded less but it’s goals which win games and sadly, the likes of Downing, Henderson and Suarez etc are not converting whatsoever. 10 points adrift Arsenal with a game in hand, it may be Europa League football for the scousers if things don’t improve.
