Bernd Leno’s heroics in the penalty shootout as well as in the normal time help Arsenal get better of Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup. The Gunners are now through to the quarterfinals of the competition. Both sides created some decent scoring chance but we’re thwarted by both goalkeepers in between the sticks. Leno was the one who caught the most attention with his five emphatic saves. The German keeper made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout, first out of Origi and second Harry Wilson’s spot-kick in sudden death. Joy belonged to Arsenal.
It was the North Londoners who would have got on the scoresheet as early as 10 mins but Nketiah failed to control the ball at the crucial moment. Liverpool then had their chances. Some delightful touches allowed Jota to find Grujic who shot wide in a good position. The Portuguese were again involved pulling out a fine save from Leno before Minamino hit the crosspiece from the rebound with the goal gaping.
Five star Leno show continued in the second half after the former Leverkusen keeper pulled out four magnificent saves to frustrate the Reds. Rob Holding got a decent chance to score a possible winner for Arsenal but Adrian kept him out. No breakthrough allowed led to a penalty shootout. Willock ultimately dispatched a penalty deflected underneath off Adrien to make the evening for the Gunners.
We look at some definitive point of conversation that emerged from this clash.
Nketiah’s early miss for Arsenal
Like the game on Monday evening against the same opposition in the same venue, Arsenal squandered a golden opportunity to make the game for them. Thankfully, this time the result swung in their favour. That time it was Lacazette, this time it was Nketiah. Inside ten minutes after constant counter pressing the hosts, Nketiah received a glorious chance to put his team ahead. Pepe burst into space on the left flank to play in Willock who then passed to Nketiah. He failed to get his feet around the ball allowing Adrian to sniff it off his feet. The game would have changed course had that gone in.
Jota performing on a high
The new signing has been quite an addition to the Reds. He won’t be the first choice just yet but the forward bought from Wolves is giving Klopp fresh options in the forward line. Jota was ever-present in the final third with his head go runs causing concerns whenever he made those. He would have easily got an assist if Grujic would have converted his early chance or got a goal himself but Leno came in the way. Jota was eventually substituted for Wijnaldum but it was once again a great outing for him.
Saka’s speciality growing day by day
Arsenal has a real star in hand and it is no deniable that Saka is pouring all the optimism required in the team. The 19-year-old is a raw talent and he is already a proven player of his role. His versatility and flexibility at the same led Liverpool to think twice before defending him. Nico Williams also scrambled to keep out an attempt from him. Bukayo once again indicated his dominance on the pitch. A rising sensation.
Talents on show
The cup competition allowed both clubs to rotate their squad and give opportunities to the youngster to make their presence felt in this encounter. Saka as said earlier was brilliant again. His teammate Willock and Nketiah also played well. Although, it was Liverpool’s youth that produced a wonderful display. Marco Grujic was in thick of things pulling off decent efforts on goal. Curtis Jones was as usual reliable on the pitch with his outstanding passing sense. centre-back Rhy Williams partnered Van Djik and later Joe Gomez perfectly.
Leno’s out of the world performance for Arsenal
The evening surely belonged to Leno. Without him, Arsenal would have leaked a lot of goals. The German stops strong and parried away dangerous attacking chances from Liverpool. He kept out Jota’s header brilliantly in the first half. Van Dijk’s effort was also tipped away before he made a couple of stunning saves from Grujic’s credible shots on target. At last, his penalty shootout heroics honoured him with the victory they craved for. Bernd Leno will like to carry on his outstanding performance in the Premier League now.
