What we learnt about Arsenal and Liverpool in FA Community Shield clash
Arsenal and Liverpool faced off in the FA Community Shield on Saturday and what a treat it was as it didn’t disappoint.
The excitement around the match doesn’t only involve the two clubs playing on the day, but also lets us know it’s time for the world’s most-watched drama, action-packed series, the English Premier League.
Mikel Arteta managed to obtain his second piece of silverware in his managerial career and his first in his maiden full campaign as the head Gunner. What a start for the Spaniard who is making huge strides with his side as we witness the evidence on the pitch with each performance that passes.
Arsenal went up first through a first half counter-attacking goal scored by the man who repped the Black Panther symbol of “Wakanda Forever” in memory of Chadwick Boseman, who lost his long-term battle to cancer. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capped off a silky move with a blast past Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
The equaliser came late in the second half, almost identical timing to their previous goal in their FA Community Shield loss to Man City, just three minutes earlier this time. The goalscorer and breaking his duck, Takumi Minamino.
As identical as that was, so was the fashion in which Jurgen Klopp’s men lost the FA encounter last run out. This time the player missing from the spot, Rhian Brewster, replaced the one who missed the last penalty, Georginio Wijnaldum.
Looking back at the game and what all transpired on the pitch, what exactly did we learn from both Arsenal the triumphant and Liverpool the deflated?
What we learnt from both Premier League clubs?
Arsenal’s final piece is needed
The centre back signing of Gabriel Magalhaes by the Gunners could be the final piece of business needed and they could be ready for the season. They resembled a tidy side that stood firm with a low, defensive block.
It was so close to working out perfectly but yet they remain an alteration away from keeping a clean sheet. With a more assured defence, they can see out these 1-0 ball games. This is why he is so important to Arteta.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last five games, the last one four fixtures ago where they beat Man City 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals. Moving on to the next point picked up…
Maitland-Niles must stay!
Ainsley Maitland-Niles showing his worth, while being linked with an exit from the Emirates. Should the Gunners promise him regular first-team action? Gareth Southgate certainly thought one standout performance is worth a call-up into the England squad for the Three Lions’ friendlies ahead.
Liverpool still have no plan B
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The club is crying for another addition or two to change it up and boost their morale. The front three were starved of supply and Liverpool’s plan B was none existent… Again!
Yes, Klopp is an amazing manager that cannot be denied his brilliance in what he has done during his time as the Liverpool boss. But he needs some additions to help fend off his title rivals in their Premier League title-defending campaign.
Changes must be made
Only using willpower and a strong mentality is not going to get them over the line this time as all of their counterparts get busy in the transfer window, adding quality to their sides. They need to get a creative player going. A player who can unlock Fort Knox with his right foot while looking at another target.
An option for the Liverpool manager to consider. Drop Firmino into the CAM position. Let him be the playmaker he has always been to the team. Get a star striker in ASAP!
A natural number 9 is needed. In fact, both of these transfers mentioned here is more a need than a want. They need to act now. If they continue to ignore these early warning signs they can wave goodbye to their league title.
The shock that shook us all
There is certainly life after death and we should all consider resurrection to be a real thing. Who else fell off their seat to see Mohamed Elneny start and play a great game? Nobody saw it coming and this could possibly see the club opt-out of further spending in his position.
The North London club has been strongly linked with a move for Thomas Partey, who’s transfer situation appears unmoved since Atletico Madrid were said to have rejected Arsenal’s initial bid.
light. Related Story. Arsenal could lose the signing of Dan Ceballos
All-in-all, a fantastic FA Community Shield encounter to raise the curtain for the much-anticipated English Premier League.