Another Look at the Liverpool Game

 Arseblog's excellent "By the Numbers" column, written by Scott Willis, shines a light on the performances of the two teams on Sunday.  I admit that I thought the balance of play was more even than it turns out that it was.  Liverpool's expected goal metric was under one, ours was just under three.  Field tilt was in our favor despite the Reds having more of the ball (a possession advantage is expected when a team is behind most of a game).  We held 'pool to their lowest shot attempts in a game since last October (against Man City).  While I still acknowledge that we had a bit of good fortune (for a change) in refereeing (non)decisions, it's clear that we outplayed Liverpool and deserved the W.

Willis highlights the devastating play of Gabi Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.  Our two 21 year old wide attackers have been excellent for quite a while.  Remember that last year's second highest scorer, Emile Smith Rowe, had surgery and has not played.  If he can return and get match fit in a few months, it will give Martinelli a chance to take a game off now and then.  Both wingers have electric pace, can finish, and can pick out a pass.  With Jesus terrorizing the center backs and Odegaard pulling the strings, and Xhaka playing high up the pitch, it's no wonder we're scoring goals at a high rate.  Thomas Partey has even gotten into the act.  It's only a matter of time before the fullbacks contribute a goal here and there.  We're also scoring off set pieces.  

Arsenal does have weaknesses.  There's the occasional lapse at the back, partly the result of playing such a high line.  We've given some goals that didn't have to happen.  But I love it when a manager decides he's going to outscore the opponents and commits to attack.  We're winning and we're a blast to watch.

Elsewhere in the league, the teams that were expected to win actually did win.  Spuds, City, United, and Chelsea kept pace with us; I should include Newcastle in that crew now, I guess.  It's way too early to make predictions about Champions' league or relegation battles.  But I think we're in for a super season.  It's too bad that stupid World Cup has to interrupt it.