Liverpool brought some pride back to their season on Thursday after delivering a much-improved performance away at Arsenal.
The Reds have been disappointing virtually since the first kick of the campaign, leaving many to expect a heavy beating at the hands of the league leaders.
But after a slow opening half, Liverpool came out swinging in the second period.
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Who was your Man of the Match during Liverpool’s battling draw with Arsenal?
Much better from the Reds today!
Milos Kerkez battles with Bukayo Saka during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Without a shot on target throughout the whole match, it would be a stretch to say Arne Slot‘s team had Arsenal overly worried, but they did look like the more likely to score. Liverpool deserve credit for that.
Standing firm at the back and looking more threatening going forward, the Reds felt like a different prospect after half-time. Asked why that was during his post-match press conference, Slot did his best to explain what changed.
Liverpool remember how to press
At their best under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool were arguably the best pressing team in Europe. That continued to a slightly lesser degree under Slot last season before dropping off completely this term.
The Reds have become one of the easiest teams to play through, with a lack of intensity off the ball costing them throughout the campaign.
Arne Slot gives a thumbs up to fans after Liverpool's Premier League game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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According to Slot, though, Liverpool brought the press back in the second-half at Arsenal, especially targeting Arsenal’s centre-back pairing as well as former transfer target Martin Zubimendi.
“No, like I said, I think the way we pressed their two centre-backs and their No.6 was better in the second half than in the first half,” the Liverpool boss said when asked if he made tactical changes at half-time.
“That’s why we could regain ball possession faster in the second-half than in the first-half. They couldn’t come as far around our box than as in the first half, but maybe the main thing was we had the ball for long spells and then when they kicked it away we could win it back and start playing again.”
What would you say to Gabriel Martinelli if you had the chance TONIGHT? 😡
DISGUSTING behaviour
Gabriel Martinelli appeals while Liverpool's Conor Bradley sits injured during the Premier League match between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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No excuses for Liverpool not to keep improving
If Liverpool’s improvement was down to something as simple as a better first line press, then there can be no excuses for not continuing to deploy this tactic.
On paper, Arsenal are the best team the Premier League has to offer at the moment, so if they can do it against Mikel Arteta’s side, then they can do it against anyone.
With two very winnable matches next up at Anfield, supporters will expect to see the press return in the coming games.
Once Hugo Ekitike returns and they can get a proper shape again, this should be even better.
This was the first real sign of Liverpool remembering who they are after a hugely disappointing season so far. It is now imperative that Slot learns the right lessons from Thursday’s game and takes it into the rest of the year.
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