A 0-0 at home to Arsenal is never going to have anyone dancing down Walton Breck Road, and truth is we were pretty toothless in the final third. But even with that, I came away thinking the overall performance was better than what we’ve seen too often this season.
The biggest improvement for me was the defensive side of it. We’ve all moaned about a lack of nous at the back, but this time Arsenal didn’t really get going beyond a couple of decent runs in the opening 20 minutes. After that, it felt like we got a grip of the game and stayed switched on.
More solid at the back, and the left side debate
There’s been plenty said about Kerkez, and some of it has been well over the top. I’m not pretending he’s flawless, because he’ll still have the odd rash moment, but one-v-one he generally does his job. He’s got proper energy too, and you can see what he brings when we’re trying to build pressure down that side.
The problem is what happens further forward. Gakpo’s link-up play has been off it, and it slows everything down on the left. I don’t think he’s a bad player, I just think he’s in a grim run and it’s affecting the whole balance of that flank. Competition wouldn’t hurt anyone, least of all him.
We found the space, but lacked a focal point
The frustration is the same one, really. We can talk about patterns and territory, but without clear-cut chances you’re always one moment away from feeling like it’s two points dropped. The context matters though: when you’re missing attackers, the edge goes. There’s less firepower, less presence, fewer “someone will stick it away” moments.
What stood out was the space in behind Arsenal at times, especially when we got joy down the sides. That’s the sort of game where you want a proper focal point through the middle, someone making those hard runs and attacking crosses like it’s their entire personality.
Energy was back, but the squad still feels light
The second half, in particular, had a better Liverpool feel to it. More fight, more energy, and Arsenal looked short on confidence when we pinned them in. That’s why it’s maddening we couldn’t turn pressure into goals, because the platform was there.
Looking ahead, the worry is obvious: one more knock in the back line and it can derail a season. And if Bradley’s injury turns out to be serious, it forces decisions. You can’t just sit on your hands and hope it clears up. The same goes up top if bodies start moving on. Arne Slot needs options he actually trusts, not just names on a teamsheet.
For now, you just want Bradley back on his feet as soon as possible. And whatever your feelings about the flashpoints, let’s get behind the lads for the fixtures coming up. There’s still plenty to fight for.
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