Much of the fallout and analysis from Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool has centred around Gabriel Martinelli but for Daniel Sturridge, there was one crucial element that people might have missed.
Arne Slot’s men frustrated Arsenal at times and in the second half, were actually the better team.
While the Gunners restored their six point lead at the top as Man City also drew in midweek, many feel it was a missed opportunity to pull further clear.
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However, while Arsenal’s critics will point to them not being ruthless enough, it’s worth noting that Liverpool and their manager, Arne Slot, did a fine job.
And according to Daniel Sturridge, Slot out-coached Mikel Arteta at one vital stage of the game.
What Arne Slot did better than Mikel Arteta at The Emirates
Anyone who has ever watched a game of football will know that a lot can rest on what happens at half-time.
So often we see a small tactical tweak or some words of encouragement from the coaching staff make all the difference.
Indeed, according to Sky Sports pundit Sturridge, this was where Arne Slot got the better of Arteta.
“It was a strange one really. I think that first half performance and you go in as a player and typically the manager will get the videos out and show you what’s working and what needs to change to improve,” Sturridge commented.
“And I think whatever information they got, I think Liverpool’s conversations they had at half-time were better. Arsenal didn’t really seem to have solutions to break them down, Liverpool took control and found the out-ball to Frimpong.
“I don’t think Arsenal took the initiative. There was tension, and it did feel like the players were content a little bit of course, these are the things that happen. Sometimes you go into your shell a bit and think actually, we’re ok.”
Arsenal have to see Liverpool draw as a positive
You aren’t going to win every single game. It’s just that simple.
In Premier League football, sometimes it’s about riding out the tough times and ensuring you don’t come away with nothing and Arsenal managed to do that.
Mentality wise, the Gunners need to ensure that the draw is taken as a positive and not as a negative, otherwise it could hinder momentum.
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In most seasons, any team would take a draw and clean-sheet against the defending champions and simply put it in the bag and move on.
That’s what Arsenal need to do here. All eyes on what is next and ultimately, come season’s end, this might end up being a crucial moment.
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