Arsenal are taking on Liverpool in a vital clash in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side suffered an early blow as influential central defender William Saliba limped off in the first five minutes with what looked like an ankle injury.
It was a cagey first-half with both teams surprisingly lacking a bit of quality in the final third, Noni Madueke looked Arsenal’s brightest option going forward.
Although the Gunners looked solid defensively, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville highlighted Declan Rice for consistently doing something ‘very poor’ in the opening period.
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Gary Neville labels Declan Rice’s set-piece deliveries as ‘very poor’ in Liverpool clash
Arsenal are known for their success at set-pieces and their most likely avenue at scoring has been from free kicks and corners in the first half.
However, Rice, who is usually very reliable from a dead ball, has not found his range and commentator Neville is far from impressed.
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, Neville stated: “His delivery has been really poor. That is not like him.”
| Liverpool v Arsenal match statistics | Liverpool | Arsenal |
| Number of corners | 0 | 5 |
With the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino attacking the ball, Arteta will be frustrated at the deliveries he has seen.
If Rice can get one right, it could be a way to unlock the Liverpool defence and give Arsenal the upper hand in the match.
Has Mikel Arteta played it too safe at Anfield?
The Gunners haven’t won at Anfield since 2012 but are unbeaten in their last three visits with score draws in those clashes.
Arteta chose to go with Merino in midfield alongside Rice and Martin Zubimendi and it feels as though Arsenal are playing a little too safe and lacking creativity.
The opportunity is there for the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze to come into the game and find that moment of magic to unlock the door.
Three points at Anfield would be a huge statement for Arteta’s side and it really is there for the taking at half time.
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