MATCH REVIEW: ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL

Well that was eventful start to the season...

The reds kicked off their 2016/17 yesterday in a 7 goal thriller at the Emirates. Fortunately it was the boys from Liverpool who pulled it out the bag and were the victors in a nerve-wracking 4-3 win.

The first half was some-what abysmal from Liverpool after Alberto Moreno conceded a penalty, that was saved, and then conceded a goal 60 seconds later however it was a stroke of genius on the edge of half time from the magician that brought us back on level terms.

The second half was better from Liverpool as they went on a rampant run smashing a further 3 against the hosts to make it 1-4. However questionable defending occurred again as the final score ended 3-4.

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So who were the stand out performers?

Well you have to mention Mignolet after his penally save, okay yes it was at a nice height for him, but he still made the save, which is always a positive where Mignolet's concerned. Although he conceded 3 he wasn't really at direct fault for them, he maybe could of got slightly closer for Arsenal's second but it did take a nasty deflection beforehand.

Easily Coutinho was the best performer on the day, he had a quiet opening 20 minutes or so but two world class finishes from him helped secure the win today. Another man of the match performance from the little Brazilian. 2 goals, 2 chances created, 77% pass accuracy.

Similar to Coutinho Lallana also had a dull first half as he wasn't pressing as well as he normally does. He definitely improved in the second half and scored a lovely goal. I have to admit I'm not Lallana's biggest fan and sometimes his lack of end product frustrates me but today his touch and finish for his goal were class so fair play to him, I hope he can continue this throughout the season.

Mane was an absolute beast. it was inspiring to see a player with so much drive and hunger off the ball through the whole game. For me his high press and general fight for the ball was heroic especially going into the end of the game, Mane was still their fighting. And his goal... I still can't believe how he scored that, probably my favourite of the four. The initial sprint to win the ball, then taking on two defenders and skilling his way into space and then the finish straight in the top bins.

Klavan and Henderson also deserve honourable mentions, both played very well. Henderson was keeping the ball nicely and controlling possession in the middle of the park, very refreshing for Liverpool fans to see him back looking fit and healthy. And for the most part of the game you forget that Klavan is our 30 year old "fourth choice" centre-back. He was very composed in possession, kept up with the pace of their forwards and even filled in Moreno's job when he went on walkabouts, as Moreno does. slightly feel bad for Matip who may have lost his starting place.

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And if I was to pick out a player who maybe wasn't great, you probably already know who it might be... Alberto Moreno. His first half was shocking. He gave away the penalty for a stupid tackle and then 60 seconds later was at fault for the Walcott goal. He can't defend, his sense of awareness and positioning is seriously horrendous. Sometimes he did make some good challenges to be fair to him but for the most part he was in La La land. The fact that Milner is our only other option to play there isn't good enough, we really need to just go out and spend on a left-back... ideally one that knows how to defend (i.e block a cross, make a challenge, follow their man) and maybe be able to put a decent cross in... *coughs* Ricardo Rodriguez

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PLAYER RATINGS:

Mignolet - 7, saved the Penalty and couldn't do much about the goals, still conceded 3

Clyne - 6, got beaten quite easily by Chamberlain for his goal but also put in a good cross for Coutinho's second

Lovren -7, didn't have an awful lot to do, but what he did seemed okay.

Klavan - 8, seemed good on the ball, made some good tackles, done the simple clearances really well

Moreno - 4, Gave away the penalty, was at fault for their opening goal. didn't have much to do in the second half

Henderson - 7, Didn't do anything particularly outstanding but did what he needed to do really well. good to seem him back looking sharp.

Wijnaldum - 7, Had difficult first half, seemed quite weak on the ball at some points, but a really clever assist for the Lallana goal and better attacking fluidity in the second half

Coutinho - 9, 2 world class goals, the free-kick could be described as 'Payet-esque', difficult first half but ultimately he gave Liverpool the chance to pull through when we really looked outplayed. Won us the game.

Lallana - 8, Got better as the game went on (like everyone else), really nice goal, high pressing was improving

Mane- 9, A close contender for man of the match, most consistent attacking player throughout the game, a sublime goal, attacked the opposition fiercely, If continues to play like that he'll be in contention for player os the season.

Firmino - 6, Went through spells of good play, ultimately still doesn't look 100% match sharp. hell improve no-doubt

Can - 5, didn't do anything special when coming on, could be argued partly at fault for their 3rd goal, overall not terrible but not amazing, still needs match fitness

Origi - 7, came on to push back the Arsenal defence and did just that, he didn't have a lot of touches on the ball but what he did have was okay.

Stewart - 5, similar to Can came on a did a job, he also didmt see much of the ball so hard to judge.

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Thats all of this weeks match review... now on to Burnley!