A Philippe Coutinho brace saw Liverpool come out 4-3 winners in their opening game of the season against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The result gave Liverpool its first win at the Emirates Stadium since 2011. Arsenal’s woes were compounded when they lost Aaron Ramsey to a hamstring injury.
The hosts dominated the early parts of the game, but Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool went on a goal spree as the second-half begun and eventually overrun Arsene Wegner’s side, despite a spirited comeback.
Philippe Coutinho proves his worth, again
If anyone needed reminding why Coutinho is so important to Liverpool, then his display against the Gunners was proof in the pudding.
Liverpool were awful in the first half. They looked lethargic and reactive, but Coutinho popped up with an equaliser from a free-kick which was out of the top drawer on the stroke of half-time. He added a second in the second half which put breathing space between the two sides.
It’s a trend that continues for this man, he made the difference in yet another big game and those type of footballers are invaluable to any side. With Liverpool keeping hold of him this season they have given themselves every chance to succeed.
If the Reds can get Daniel Sturridge back alongside this man, maybe they can cause some serious problems for opposition sides this season.
Arsene Wegner’s team selection wasn’t justified
Impossible to know the exact state of Arsenal’s top players in terms of fitness, but ultimately the decision to leave most of them out of the squad didn’t pay dividends.
The opening day of the Premier League season has proven to be a real struggle for the North London club in recent years.
Wenger had to take a risk on some of his senior players due to just how important the game was, but more importantly, to get the fans back onside.
The jeering at the final whistle was an indication of why he may well fight a lost cause for majority of the season. The Arsenal faithful are coming to their wits end and are struggling to keep the faith.
Only he knows who perhaps could have played, but it would of been a risk worth taking if the result is anything to go by.
Liverpool need a new left-back
Every Liverpool fan knows it, and with someone of Klopp’s stature, he surely must know it.
Alberto Moreno left off from last season’s Europa League final where he played a huge part in Liverpool’s downfall.
Fouling Theo Walcott saw him concede a penalty, but luckily for the Spaniard, Simon Mignolet stood up and made the save. Moments later, Moreno was caught out of position which eventually led to Walcott giving the Gunners the lead.
Again, it’s costly mistakes that will no doubt see the left-back depart Liverpool. It may not be this season, although he is proving to be a major liability for Klopp’s Liverpool. There is a sense if Liverpool do not go out and invest in a reliable left-back then it could potentially harm their top four chances.
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