2023-2024 FA Cup 3rd Round Arsenal vs Liverpool

The marquee matchup of the FA Cup 3rd Round featuring two teams

with unfavorable geographical proximity and draw luck – Arsenal vs Liverpool.

Arsenal.com

Both teams deployed approximately 1.3 squads due to the absence of players

called up for the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, as well as some injuries.

 

Interestingly, Arsenal, the home team, came out wearing a special white kit instead of their usual red and white uniform, as part of the 'No More Red' campaign, a movement against violence, symbolized by eliminating the color red from their attire.

 

For Arsenal, the absence of players like Jesus (injured), Partey (injured), Zinchenko (injured), and Tomiyasu (on national duty) left noticeable gaps in their lineup.

Liverpool faced significant vacancies with Salah (on national duty), Van Dijk (injured), and Endo (on national duty). Of course, in hindsight, these absences did not impact Liverpool's performance.

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The game unfolded in the early stages in line with Arsenal's pace.

This could be attributed to the Emirates Stadium setting and the robust backbone of the team,

led by the formidable duo of Saliba and Gabriel,

complemented by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

 

On the other hand, Liverpool seemed to be somewhat dragged along.

Perhaps the absence of Van Dijk in defense, with only the recently recovered McAllister in the midfield,

and the lack of Salah in the attack played a role in this dynamic.

 

 

However, goals were hard to come by.

Arsenal created quite a few opportunities, but the lack of clinical finishing was painfully evident even for a neutral fan. Havertz, playing up front, seemed to replicate the less favorable aspects of his Chelsea days,

while Nelson, starting after a long time, didn't exactly live up to expectations. Not that many expectations were set.

Saka, the reliable man for Arsenal, was a shame today,

putting in a performance that even a third-party team's fan would appreciate.

 

On the flip side, Liverpool's defense, missing Van Dijk, showed a surprisingly solid display.

The left flank, left depleted with injuries to Robertson and Tsimikas,

was admirably covered by Liverpool's loyal player, Joe Gomez.

Additionally, the center-back duo of Konate and the uncovered treasure of Liverpool's youth, Quansah,

provided a sturdy defensive shield.

Liverpool FC

Despite their hard efforts, what happens when the results don't come through?

Well, now you just have to accept it.

In the 80th minute, Liverpool made a move. To be precise, Arsenal's Kiwior helped them.

 

Arnold, who won a free-kick for Liverpool, delivered a threatening cross, and eventually, after a strong defensive effort from Kiwior, the ball found its way into Arsenal's goal off his head.

Desperate, Arsenal tried to secure at least a draw by bringing in numerous attacking players,

but Liverpool's defense today showed a resilience comparable to Van Dijk.

 

In the hurry of it all, Liverpool seized a counter-attacking opportunity in the added time of the second half

and sealed the game with a decisive goal.

 

The final result: 0-2. A victory for the away team, Liverpool, and an early exit from the FA Cup for Arsenal.

 

Diaz who made the last goal

 

Arsenal has now found itself sinking into a deep slump after this match.

With just one win in their last seven games,

they rapidly plummeted from the top of the league to fourth place.

The early exit from the FA Cup doesn't befit the team with the most FA Cup titles.

 

On the other hand, Liverpool, despite the absence of key players like Salah and Van Dijk,

has gained powerful motivation in overcoming strong opponents.

 

The crux of the match lies in the lack of decisiveness from Arsenal's attacking line.

With 18 shots, 4 big chances, and zero goals, their expected goals (xG) value stands at 1.6

(compared to Liverpool's 0.67).

If even one of those numerous opportunities had been converted into a goal,

the game's outcome might have been vastly different, especially considering that Arsenal mostly dominated the game.

 

Liverpool, while Arsenal's attackers were lackluster, showcased a solid defense and capitalized on their chances when they came, proving to be the driving force behind their victory.