Liverpool were the better side for most of the game against Arsenal, but their lack of firepower up front meant they couldn’t capitalise on the performance.
There are plenty of positives to take from the 90 minutes at the Emirates.
Arne Slot had Liverpool purring in the second half, and there was a real chance to go and take three points and close the gap to the leading pack, none of whom managed to win this week.
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It would end 0-0, though, with Liverpool’s player shortage in the front line to blame. Arsenal legend Ian Wright thinks one recently sold star could have got the Reds over the line.
Luis Diaz addresses Bayern Munich fans during the Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena.
Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Ian Wright laments Luis Diaz sale after Arsenal stalemate
Despite playing at home against a side 14 points below them, Arsenal didn’t take any risks on Thursday night.
Mikel Arteta set up his side to defend in a low block, and Liverpool struggled to convert their possession dominance into clear-cut chances.
After the game, Wright was discussing their struggles on Premier League Productions, explaining why Luis Diaz is so missed.
He said: “If you’re not going to replace like for like for the low block, then you’re probably going to end up with games like that. Because you look at Frimpong, unbelievable pace. He gets down there but his end product seems to be something that he’s lacking at the moment.
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“But like you get rid of a Luis Diaz who can open teams up with a low block with his skill, his trickery and you lose that and you don’t replace that then you are going to have a problem with it.”
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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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a fan who doesn’t miss the Colombian. Diaz is the most regretted Liverpool sale of the summer window.
The pain is exacerbated by the fact that he is lighting it up for Bayern Munich, and Wright is correct. If Diaz was playing last night, Arsenal’s defence would have been under far more pressure.
Liverpool need to sort the left flank
The departure of Diaz has left a void out on the left that we are yet to see filled by Slot this season.
Rio Ngumoha’s lack of minutes divides opinion among Liverpool fans. Some think he is ready to be the starting left-winger, while others think a more experienced option should be called upon.
Do you think it’s time for Arne Slot to start trusting Rio Ngumoha more?
Aldo reckons he would solve our predictability issue…
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
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Liverpool fans aren’t convinced by Cody Gakpo either, who struggles against stubborn defences like the Arsenal one on Thursday night.
It feels unlikely that a new winger comes to Anfield in January, and suggesting more attacking recruitment after the summer we just had is a bold call, but it’s clear that Liverpool need more dynamism out wide — the kind of X-factor Diaz so often provided.
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