Things went from bad to worse for Unai Emery’s side, as they were badly beaten 5-1 at Anfield by Liverpool, in the top flight of English football on Saturday. The north London giants made the trip to the Merseyside, only to suffer more misery at the end of the year. Though Unai Emery’s team made the rather positive start, they would have just wanted to forget the game at the end of it all.
The game that started off with the Londoners opening the scoring with a Maitland-Niles’ goal, which gave them the boost to push for a shocker. However, their defensive line once again proved to be fragile and conceded a couple of goals rather quickly. Two more were added before the end of the first half and the score-line read as 4-1, as the two sides went into the break.
Firmino, who had been totally out of form had been gifted a couple of goals and eventually managed to complete a hat-trick of free goals, with Lovren going down in the box for yet another penalty.
Michael Oliver seemed rather “drunk”, as he gave decision after decision in Liverpool’s favour, though the Reds overall deserved to win on the night. The Kops were the more consistent side, who kept pushing forward, with every chance that they were given and did deserve to take back all three points at home.
If the Manchester United match taught the Gunners something, it was that scoring goals was never enough for them to win anything at all. Their defence had been really weak and they needed to be more solid at the back, which they once again failed to do.
The hosts were rather poor at the start of the game, though it was the visitors that could not keep their nerves and it cost them the match. They are nearly out of the title race now and it will take something special for them to be back in it.
Klopp’s side are 9 points clear at the top at present, with Spurs losing their game as well and will want to build on that. The other top teams from England are really helping their cause at present and the Reds are the favourites to win the league at present.
With that being said, what Emery now needs to do is quite clear. He really needs to sell off his defensive stars and bring in new players in January. The likes of Mustafi, Lichsteiner and co. really need to go and the New Year is the best time to bring in more reinforcements.
Bellerin and Holding are being missed at present and there needs to be a defensive overhaul within the team, which has clearly forgotten to defend. This isn’t the Arsene Wenger era anymore and tough at present this team does have majority members of the former boss’ side, some things really need to change.
More midfield reinforcements will also be needed either in the upcoming transfer window or this summer, as the team needs to have more quality. Ramsey needs to stay, with a new deal being offered soon. He is one of the more experienced players and it matters. Also, Iwobi needs to be groomed to perform more like he did last night.
Lacazette needs to be part of the playing eleven and needs to start. There needs to be another backup for the attacking duo, who can come in and replace either one of them, if they are having a bad day.
If Emery is not able to implement the much needed changes and fill these voids in a year or two max, he will start feeling the heat at the Emirates soon too.
