Jakub Kiwior did something vs Liverpool which saw Arsenal set all-time PL record

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Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday was record-breaking in several ways, and helped the Gunners stay in the title race.

Arsenal created the most xG Liverpool have ever faced in a Premier League game, and ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s final game with his club at the Emirates was not a sweet farewell.

Defender Jakub Kiwior had struggled in recent weeks whenever he played out of position at left-back in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and was forced to replace the Ukrainian at half-time against Liverpool.

However, he put in arguably his best performance of the season, as he was solid defensively, and even provided an assist for Leandro Trossard’s goal, and this was a moment which set a new Premier League record.

Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard help Arsenal set PL record

Data expert Harvey Downes has now revealed that Trossard’s goal was the sixth time this season that two Arsenal substitutes have combined for a goal, which is more than any PL side has ever managed.

“Jakub Kiwior’s assist for Leandro Trossard’s goal on Sunday was the sixth time Arsenal have had two substitutes combine for a goal in 2023/24 – the most of any side in a single season in Premier League history,” he posted on X.

The other five instances saw Fabio Vieira assist Eddie Nketiah against Fulham, Vieira assist Gabriel Jesus against Manchester United, Kai Havertz set up Gabriel Martinelli’s winner against Manchester City, and Martinelli’s brace against Crystal Palace which saw Nketiah and Jorginho provide assists.

Mikel Arteta’s decisive substitutions

Mikel Arteta has been criticised for his substitutions at times, particularly when Trossard has replaced Martinelli, with his side losing speed whenever the Brazilian is withdrawn.

However, all his changes were spot on against Liverpool, and this stat shows that he is capable of changing a game from his bench.

Nketiah’s goal against Fulham was a good example, where Arsenal were struggling to create before Vieira came on, and found the Englishman with a perfect cross to turn a 1-0 deficit in to a 2-1 lead at the time.

Arsenal’s strength in depth is perhaps underrated, and there are plenty of goals coming from the backup players whenever they are called upon, which may also show that Arteta has the necessary quality to rotate his starting XI more, with Bukayo Saka in particular need of extra rotation when compared to his Manchester City counterpart Phil Foden.