Arsenal crashed out of the F.A Cup after a frustrating 2 – 0 third round defeat to Liverpool at home.
Mikel Arteta’s team enjoyed the best of the game, particularly in the first half, but once again couldn’t finish chances.
Arsenal outshot Liverpool 18 – 12, and had 55% of the possession. While their opponents didn’t roll over for Arsenal, they should have been one or two ahead before Liverpool began to impose themselves.
Read: ‘Gutted’ Roy Hodgson Poignant On State Of Officiating
This makes it three defeats in a row for Arsenal, but they played better than they did against Fulham or West Ham. Their last outstanding performance was against Brighton in the league, a game in which they pressed incredibly well.
The press was back against Liverpool, as was their incisiveness and personality. What was lacking, as it has been to some extent all season, were goals.
Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Reiss Nelson all could have done better with opportunities in behind. Gabriel Martinelli threatened when he came on, but couldn’t produce the final action.
When six of your attackers could feasibly have scored, you can count yourself unlucky. The question for Arsenal is how long they can keep being unlucky for. There is more to this than this season’s more controlled style of play – the players are still getting chances. Perhaps last year’s disappointment has left the Gunners a little shy this time around.
Want to bet on the F.A Cup? See our reviews section to find the best markets and offers for you!
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be encouraged with the big win absent several key players. They’ll be stretched even further over the coming months with four competitions still to play for.
They play the first leg of the EFL Cup semi final against Fulham on Wednesday, and await draws for the Europa League and F.A Cup.
