Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal: 3 reasons why Liverpool beat Arsenal | Premier League 2018-19

On the last Matchday of 2018, the league leaders took on the 5th placed Arsenal at Anfield. The clashes between these two teams in recent years have provided plenty of entertainment, and this encounter was also expected to be fun.

Arsenal began their 2018-19 campaign with two defeats, but went on a hot streak after that, which ended with a loss to Southampton. Liverpool on the other hand have looked in imperious form in the last one month, and a win against the Gunners will open up a big lead at the top of the table.

Emery made several changes to the squad which drew against Brighton. Mustafi was preferred in central defence to Koscielny, and Maitland-Niles got a rare chance to start a match as Guendouzi was rested after an intense outing against Brighton.

Lacazette was benched, and Alex Iwobi replaced him, while Aaron Ramsey replaced the injured Mesut Ozil. Klopp opted to go with Shaqiri, Fabinho, and Wijnaldum in the midfield, since James Milner was injured.

Arsenal maintained possession from the start, and put the hosts on the back-foot very early in the game. At the 11th minute, Alex Iwobi showed his talent with a brilliant run on the left flank and an accurate pass to Maitland-Niles who tapped the ball into the net.

It did not take much time for the Reds to strike back as Roberto Firmino was quick to cash in on an awful defensive error from Lichtsteiner. He scored again moments later with a brilliant run, and the Arsenal defence failed to cope up once again.

Mane also joined the party, and Salah scored a penalty just before half time. In the end, Roberto Firmino completed his hat-trick, and Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1.

Here are 3 reasons why Liverpool beat Arsenal.

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#1 Arsenal’s defensive struggles

Sokratis gave away a needless penalty

Arsenal was apparently in ruins when Emery took charge, and he has done a decent job to keep them in contention for a top four spot. But one thing that has not changed is the wafer thin defense of Arsenal, and Emery just does not have the players at his disposal to solve this problem.

Everything wrong about the Arsenal defence was on show against Liverpool. Mustafi and Sokratis were slow to react whenever Liverpool countered, and Sokratis gave away a needless penalty to Salah just before half time.

Emery loves to maintain a defensive high line, and with such unreliable centre backs, it is not going to work in the long run. Lichtsteiner is an experienced defender, but he is way beyond his prime, and the match was proof that age is slowing down his game.

If Arsenal are hoping for a Champions League spot, then Emery has to completely reboot his central defence this January.

#2 Firmino’s goal drought ends

Firmino was brilliant throughout the game

In the 2017-18 season, Firmino was at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking runs, and played a big role in their progress to the UCL final. But ever since an injury at the start of this season, he has blown hot and cold, struggling to adapt as a pure striker in their line-up.

But once again when the team needed him most, Bobby Firmino stepped up and delivered a brilliant individual performance. In this match, he was given the license to roam freely in central midfield, and this resulted in some fabulous link-up play with Shaqiri and Salah.

He showed off his famous dancing feet in the 16th minute by beating Sokratis and Mustafi with ease, putting Liverpool ahead in the match. He registered a hat-trick after scoring a penalty in the 65th minute, but more than his goals - Klopp would be a pleased man to see the way he connected with the midfielders, helping his team win the midfield battle.

#3 Terrific long range passing

Robertson's long range passing was a joy to watch

One stark difference between the Liverpool side from two year ago and this one is the addition of players who are stubborn defensively, and also posses the ability to play out long balls to the front three.

Robertson, Alisson, Fabinho, and Wijnaldum are all versatile in their own away, and all of them posses great vision which enables them start attacks by staying deep. This ability was on show against Arsenal, and resulted in two magnificent goals.

First, Alisson collected the ball from the defenders, and picked out Mo Salah who was 40 yards away from him. Salah then made a run which eventually resulted in Firmino’s opener.

Moments later, the Arsenal defenders were casually moving forward after clearing a free-kick from the danger zone. Suddenly, Robertson collected the ball in midfield and picked out Mo Salah on the left flank. This pass stunned everyone, and even Salah took a moment to compose himself before assisting Mane for Liverpool’s third goal.