Liverpool came out on top after a seven-goal thriller at Arsenal's Emirates stadium this afternoon. Two goals from Philippe Coutinho, and one each from Adam Lallana (yes, Adam Lallana) and a superb individual effort from Sadio Mané cancelled out Theo Walcott's opener. As is often the case with Liverpool, their games are never for the weak of heart and this one was no different. The visitors only came to life in the second half. They were massively fortunate to equalise through Coutinho in first half injury time.
Jürgen Klopp started with a 4-2-3-1 formation of sorts. Jordan Henderson playing alongside Georginio Wijnaldum in behind Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Coutinho who supported Sadio Mané. That said, there seemed was plenty rotation between the ex-Southampton man, Coutinho and Firmino. In defence, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno.
This was the archetypal game of two halves. At least for Liverpool. In all, I felt Arsenal played no better or worse in either half. It was merely a case of their visitors being poor. For the first 45 minutes I'm not sure Klopp's men strang more than three passes together. When Walcott scored on 31 minutes to make amends for missing an earlier penalty, it looked as if the writing was on the wall. Coutinho's wonderful free kick in added time in the first half was a bit of a life saver. As the manager described it after the game "It was very, very important". True.
A special mention must go to Moreno who was absolutely awful in the first half. Totally dreadful. His lunging tackle to concede the penalty was just abysmal. The sooner Liverpool are able to replace him, the better. Personally, I believe this position will make the difference between a successful season and more mediocrity. Gary Neville's description of him as "absolute garbage" was a relative compliment to how poor he actually was.
The second period saw another Liverpool. The Liverpool fans were hoping to see. The Liverpool one would expect with signings like Mané and Wijnaldum to accompany Firmino and Coutinho. The first 20 minutes of the second period was simply first class stuff from the Reds.
Lallana of all people stroked in Wijnaldum's cross on 49 minutes to cap a fine Liverpool move and give the visitors the lead. Less than 10 minutes later, Coutinho converted a Clyne centre after a move that must have consisted of around 50 or more passes leading up to it. The hosts were in shock as Wenger looked on dumbfounded. It didn't get any better either.
In the 63rd minute, a wonder goal from Mané bursting into the Arsenal box and making space for his left-foot shot past the helpless Petr Cech. Four goals to the good and seemingly cruising. What could possibly go wrong? Moments before Liverpool legend turned Sky Pundit, Jamie Carragher reminded the commentator: "Anything could happen with this left back..." And so it did. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the home bench to make it 2-4. Squeaky bum time? You bet!
With Coutinho limping off on 70 minutes, it seemed as if he took Liverpool's mojo with him. His Man-of-the-match performance meant he was the Reds' mojo. Five minutes later, Arsenal pulled yet another goal back. This time through Calum Chambers from... you guessed it... A set piece. 3-4 and Wenger's men smelling a way back. Fortunately, after a frantic 20 minutes which included an almost Ferguson-esque FIVE minutes injury time, the north-Londoners were unable to find a way back.
What a game! It was good to start with a win. However, the manner in which the game was almost thrown away must come as a huge concern to Klopp and Liverpiol fans alike. This was almost suicide stuff. Yes, Arsenal are a class side. Despite the short-sighted fans they possess, one can never write them off. However, this Liverpool side needs to learn to close a game out.
If time permits, a left back needs to be sourced with great urgency on this showing. Moreno was literally embarrassing to watch at times. Even a dizzy Stevie Wonder has more sense of direction than the 24 year-old Spaniard.
So with my heart off the floor and back in my chest, I'm glad Liverpool got the three points. Even more happy that Coutinho appears to have only fallen victim to cramp. Shocked that Lallana scored and happy with the performances of the new signings Klavan, Wijnaldum and especially Mané.
Next Sunday, the team bus arrives at the Kingfisher stadium to take on reigning Champions Leicester City. They must be taken seriously having lost to Hull City this weekend.
I remain optimistic. Very cautiously optimistic. Klopp has the team believing they can win the Premiership this season. Am I a believer? For now, call me Thomas until further notice.
Follow Ben on Twitter @MrBengreen
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