Encouraging Emirates Draw, But Balance Still Needed

The draw at the Emirates left me feeling oddly encouraged. Not because a point away at Arsenal is some kind of moral trophy, but because Liverpool looked like a team that belonged in that match. And if we’d had a proper extra cutting edge on the night, you can make a fair case we come away with all three.

The first half was about discipline more than anything. We soaked up that early pressure, didn’t get carried away trying to win the game in the opening 10 minutes, and by the half-hour mark Arsenal knew they weren’t walking through us. That, in itself, matters. There’s a difference between surviving and actually making the other lot doubt themselves.

Second half: calmer on the ball, better off it

What I liked most was how the second half felt more controlled. We showed a bit of composure, moved it nicely when we had the chance, and crucially we started winning first and second balls. That’s been a recurring gripe this season, so seeing us compete properly in those scruffy moments was a big plus.

Going forward, the clearest threat was in behind, with Frimpong’s pace giving us an outlet. He didn’t always nail the final decision, and he’ll know he could have done better with a couple of attacking moments, but the important part is this: he made chances possible. Sometimes just having that option changes the whole game state.

The one sub question, and why it might’ve made sense

The only real call I found myself questioning from Arne Slot was leaving Gakpo on beyond 70 minutes, when you’re naturally thinking about fresh legs like Chiesa or Rio. But if you look at it logically, I can see the thinking. Even on an average night, Gakpo gives you a focal point if you need to go longer, and it felt like Alisson used that pass as a pressure-release valve more than once.

Transition is fine, but summer recruitment has to land

That game showed Liverpool can compete with Arsenal, while also highlighting we’re still a bit unbalanced. It feels like a squad in transition, and that’s fine, as long as the next steps are clear.

For me it’s four additions minimum to properly round this team off: a winger, a deep progressive playmaker, a centre-half with real quality, and a right-back of note. The two names I’m sold on right now are Kayode at Brentford and Wharton as the progressive playmaker type. The other two spots? They need proper thought, because they’re the kind of signings that decide whether you’re just “top four” or whether you’re back in the title conversation.

And that’s the big question, really. Who are your four (or more) to balance the side?

Written by Leveller: 17 January 2026