Arsenal earned a point against Liverpool on match day nine of the Premier League season.
As expected, the two sides played out a tactically fuelled contest at the Emirates, with the clubs unable to be split at the final whistle.
Bukayo Saka’s 50th Premier League goal and Mikel Merino’s first in Arsenal colours weren’t enough to give Mikel Arteta’s side the win on the day.
Virgil van Dijk’s first-half goal and Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser saw the points shared, in a game that left the Gunners with mixed emotions.
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Five concerns Mikel Arteta should have from Arsenal’s draw vs Liverpool
While a draw wasn’t a bad result to take from an impressive performance, a win would have been preferred with reference to the title race.
The point puts Arsenal four points behind Liverpool and five points behind Manchester City, which is far from an ideal scenario considering the form that the two sides are showing.
It’s early days but playing catch up with Man City is a game that Arteta knows and surely loathes, with a draw only applying more pressure.
From a performance that just wasn’t quite enough, here are five concerns the manager might have after nine games played.
Glaring gap between first and second choice in all positions
The talk of the game before kick-off was Arsenal’s injury crisis, as well as the matter of William Saliba being suspended.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber did return although, the hosts were Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori away from having their favoured XI fit to start.
What became clear as the game went on was that Arteta has a concerning gap in quality between his first and second-choice players in every position.
While some may be thinking that makes sense, it might prove to be a problem if Arsenal want to go all the way, with limited competition in the squad and depth that just won’t cut it against the very best.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans have a lot to say about Jakub Kiwior after Liverpool draw, and it’s not good
Manchester City still way ahead in league-winning area
On the subject of lack of depth comes the glaring gap between Arsenal and Man City, a gap that Arteta has attempted to close over the past two seasons.
Of course, Pep Guardiola has had millions of pounds and eight years to perfect his squad at the Etihad but, the Liverpool result only proved that the North Londoners are still miles away from matching the champions.
Every team will experience injuries and sometimes adaptability is just not enough, with depth in quality required to fill voids.
City have managed to cope without the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri due to the talent below the world-class duo, something that Arsenal do not have in any position as it stands.
As seen before, when it comes to going toe-to-toe with a squad like City’s, it comes down to fine margins and Arsenal have displayed so far this term that the squad is not packed with sufficient quality outside of the XI.
In-game management questionable
Returning focus to what unfolded over 90 minutes against Liverpool comes something that Arteta might need to address promptly.
Arsenal went in at half-time leading although, returned for the second half with a desire to sit back and defend Liverpool’s threat.
Such approach is not a bad idea but, there was the chance to kill the game off however, maintaining a one-goal lead was preferred and ultimately, the hosts failed.
It’s not the first time this season that we’ve seen Arteta instruct his side to absorb pressure when ahead and for the most part, it has not worked when aiming for three points.
Refereeing decisions are not the full story
By the time the full whistle blew, an inquest was underway into the several questionable decisions of Anthony Taylor.
- READ MORE: Former PGMOL chief blasts Anthony Taylor for ‘unacceptable’ mistake during Arsenal draw vs Liverpool
There were as many as five talking points from the game, listed below:
- Luis Diaz was not booked for kicking the ball away
- Virgil van Dijk avoided punishment for kicking Kai Havertz
- Gabriel Martinelli was denied a penalty after being fouled by Ibrahima Konate
- Gabriel Jesus’ late goal was disallowed
- Last minute corner was not given
Fans have the right to be furious at the performance of the officials once more, with each of the incidents above having the potential to impact the game although, this can’t become the theme of Arsenal’s season.
PGMOL wrongdoings are a regular occurrence in the Premier League, but, there’s an equal argument to say that Arteta’s side should have won the game regardless.
The hosts were ahead twice in the fixture against Liverpool and squandered a lead both times, two lapses in concentration that had nothing to do with the referee’s display.
Controversial, but difficult to argue.
Arsenal haven’t hit their stride
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the game is that we still have not seen Arsenal at their very best this season.
Whether that’s to do with not having the favoured XI available or the influx of games taking its toll on players, Arteta’s side have not yet shown their best.
It’s encouraging, as it is concerning, as Arsenal are in the top three without finding their best form but, could it already be too late to usurp Man City once more?
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