We dedicate a significant amount of time attempting to uncover the small strategic gem or exceptional performance from a single player, or decoding the intricate nature of most high-level soccer matches to understand why one team emerged victorious and why another team is positioned higher in the standings. However, there are instances where, even with two of the world’s best teams, the match simply boils down to both teams relentlessly attacking each other, resembling particles colliding in an accelerator, and an unexpected outcome occurs (I am not familiar with the technicalities of this process, and my recent exposure to Oppenheimer did not alleviate my confusion).
Deciphering this particular scenario does not require the skills of an archaeologist.
Nevertheless, that does not imply that there weren’t intriguing elements within the match between these two title contenders. In all three encounters between Arsenal and Liverpool, the former managed to bewilder the latter at the start of the match. By deploying Kai Havertz as a false-nine, Arsenal successfully crowded Liverpool’s midfield trio with four players. Havertz would drop back from the front line to complete the square, presenting Alexis Mac Allister with the dilemma of marking either Havertz or Martin Odegaard on the opposite side. The opening goal resulted from this tactical setup:
During the build-up to Saka’s goal, Mac Allister followed Havertz, who had retreated into midfield. Liverpool’s two number eights, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, pressed against Arsenal’s deep-lying midfielders – Declan Rice and Jorginho. The inclusion of Jorginho in the starting lineup altered Arsenal’s usual formation, as he played in a much deeper role compared to their regular dual number eights. Odegaard found himself unmarked, prompting Van Dijk to step out and close him down. However, without a conventional number nine to anchor their play, Liverpool struggled to implement their usual high defensive line and offside trap due to Ibrahima Konate’s need to monitor Gabriel Martinelli at the top of the screen. Van Dijk was no longer the focal point, as he typically is.
Liverpool struggled to cope with this situation throughout the first half. However, similar to the previous two encounters between these teams, Arsenal failed to fully capitalize on their dominance and, in fact, squandered their advantage. It was almost as if they intentionally discarded it.
In the second half, Liverpool introduced Curtis Jones alongside Mac Allister, and from the 45th to the 65th minute, until Van Dijk and Alisson both experienced fatigue, the match was evenly contested, with Liverpool potentially having a slight edge. Nevertheless, mistakes like the ones made by these two players, who are integral to Liverpool’s success, cannot be anticipated or planned for.
Arsenal is now firmly in the race, and their upcoming schedule will work in their favor. They have away fixtures against West Ham and Burnley, followed by a home match against a rapidly deteriorating Newcastle. Their next significant test will likely occur on March 30th when they visit The Etihad.
This might be concerning for Liverpool, as Manchester City is lurking closely behind, ready to pounce. However, it is crucial to remember that Liverpool endured most of January without key players such as Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and essentially without a left back. Despite these setbacks, they triumphed in two rounds of the FA Cup, scored four goals against both Bournemouth and Chelsea, secured a spot in the League Cup Final, and their only setback was an away defeat against one of Europe’s top six or seven teams. It could be worse.
What else unfolded over the weekend?
The most impressive aspect of this pass, among many others, is that it does not travel a great distance beyond Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic. However, the curve and speed of the pass leave him with no chance of intercepting it. This resembles elements of a Call of Duty game (I have been informed, although I have never played it myself, as first-person shooters tend to induce nausea in me. Unfortunately, I will never experience true joy).
Luiz has been one of the standout midfielders in the league this season, and it would be truly disheartening if Villa were forced to part ways with him to resolve their financial fair play obligations, as reported this week. This would be especially unfortunate if Villa were to secure a Champions League spot.
Villa suffered a resounding defeat on Wednesday against a team they still consider themselves on par with. Following that, they were soundly beaten at home by Wolves, which was certainly an interesting follow-up.
It is challenging to determine where to begin with Chelsea, but it appears that Mauricio Pochettino will not be able to extricate himself from this predicament. He would struggle to make a compelling argument, as every player, except for Cole Palmer, who lacks a substantial track record, seems to be performing worse this season compared to previous seasons. Moises Caicedo was dispossessed, leading to Wolves’ first goal, and he struggled throughout the match. The defense is in disarray.
Furthermore, the fans are openly rebelling.
If you find yourself yearning for Jose Mourinho, you are truly lost.
Everton initially struggled against Tottenham during the early stages of their match on Saturday. Observing Jordan Pickford instructing his defense to remain calm, maintain possession, and occasionally attempt passes to find a teammate was reminiscent of the following:
However, this approach yielded results. Everton bombarded Spurs with numerous set-pieces aimed just below the crossbar, which left Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario powerless, and Sean Dyche’s instructions aligned perfectly with Tottenham’s style of play. This involved quickly shifting the ball wide as soon as possession was won, especially since Tottenham’s fullbacks were positioned inside and pushed forward.
This point may prove to be incredibly valuable. It is difficult to predict Everton’s immediate future until we know the potential consequences of their second points deduction. Over the next month and a half, they will face both Manchester clubs, as well as Brighton, and host the Merseyside Derby. Fortunately for them, Luton also has matches against both Manchester teams and Liverpool and Villa during that period. However, being on equal footing with Luton, with time running out and the looming threat of a points deduction, will undoubtedly create a stressful environment.
In positive news, Gio Reyna made an appearance on the field!
On the downside, Auston Trusty and Chris Richards featured in Premier League defenses that conceded a total of nine goals. At least Tim Ream has recovered from his injury? Additionally, Nottingham Forest acquired a new goalkeeper specifically to displace Matt Turner from the starting lineup. So, that’s great.
Let’s hope Miles Robinson starts the MLS season in exceptional form for FC Cincinnati.