Petr Cech produced a man of the match performance to frustrate Liverpool and earn Arsenal their first home points of the season in a goalless draw at The Emirates.
The Gunners went into the game looking for their first home points of the season, having lost to West Ham on the opening weekend. Arsene Wenger's men, who were forced into key defensive changes due to the absence of regular centre-back pairing Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, had a goal disallowed in the first half. But it was their Merseyside opponents who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes as only a string of fine saves from Cech kept them at bay.
Arsenal stepped things up a gear after the break and were the better team in the second half, but for all their attacking endeavour they just couldn't seem to find that killer instinct in front of goal. Simon Mignolet frustrated the Gunners' attack with some great saves, while Martin Skrtel was superb at the back for Liverpool and made some crucial tackles.
Getting a draw against one of our top-four rivals isn't too bad but what was very disappointing was the fact we again failed to score at the Emirates. The Gunners have failed to score in their opening two league home games for the first time since August 1979. The next home league game is a tricky clash with Stoke next month but we need to make sure we turn in a performance of the highest quality and get back among the goals in our own back yard. We certainly need to start stronger than we did against Brendan Rodgers' men.
After full-time it initially felt like two huge points dropped at home regardless of the strength of the opposition. Although the result still frustrates me somewhat it is still a hard-earned point and one not to be too disheartened by especially when considering the late changes we had to make. Mertesacker was ruled out through illness and Koscielny picked up a back injury, meaning Calum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista deputised, so it was always going to be an even bigger test for the home defence.
Liverpool started brightly and almost took an early lead, only for Philippe Coutinho's effort to crash against the underside of the bar. That appeared to wake the hosts up and Arsenal nearly broke the deadlock soon after but Aaron Ramsey's effort was ruled out for offside. It was a very difficult call for referee Michael Oliver to make. From the replays Skrtel does appear to play the Welsh midfielder onside but it didn't really change the game too much as both sides continued to battle hard.
Cech produced a superb point-blank save to deny Christian Benteke from close range before tipping Coutinho's curling strike onto a post to keep the scores goalless going in at the break.
Arsenal came out with a lot more purpose after the interval and showed a lot more hunger and desire to push forward. Each time they lost the ball in the second half the Gunners worked tirelessly to quickly win it back. Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey refused to give up and put in a decent shift for the hosts, but once again Arsenal were unable to convert their chances. It would be harsh to be too hard on Olivier Giroud, who was making his 100th Premier League appearance for the club, but this game once again highlighted our need to go out and buy a top class centre forward.
Giroud did however almost set up the opening goal when he played in Alexis Sanchez, but the Chilean's strike crashed against a post from a narrow angle. The Frenchman nearly got himself on the scoresheet 20 minutes from time but Mignolet was equal to his effort and turned it behind for a corner.
Arsenal continued to push forward in the closing stages but substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sent a shot wide. Gabriel, who defended superbly to deny Alberto Moreno moments earlier, then headed over the bar.
OPPOSITION'S VIEW
Liverpool fan Darren Warburton was happy to see his side take a point and felt that a draw was a fair result for both sides. He said: "Arsenal came out the blocks extremely slow, with Coutinho hitting the bar after two minutes. Liverpool's midfield three dominated and bossed the midfield, which made it hard for Arsenal to breakdown the Liverpool back line.
"Arsenal had a goal harshly ruled out for offside, but that was a very rare attack. Coutinho also hit the woodwork with a tremendous piece of skill.
"Cech was outstanding and made up for his first home game errors (against West Ham).
"Second half, as assumed, Arsenal were much better. Liverpool were playing more on the counter and played well defensively. Mignolet this time making great saves and showing his improvement since last season.
"Overall a draw was a fair result and a great start to the season for Liverpool. Both teams will challenge the top four, but I'm not sure if either team has enough to challenge for the title."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Four points from the opening three games. It could be worse but it is far from ideal. After defeat to West Ham, I was expecting a better result in this second clash at home against Liverpool. The enforced defensive changes made it more difficult for us but I thought the back four mainly did okay. We worked tirelessly and it would be somewhat harsh to fault the players' efforts, especially those in midfield. Although I don't want to single out Giroud, as he didn't get too many chances, we really are crying out for a striker who can guarantee us 25-30 goals a season and this match proved that. On reflection a point isn't too bad but we are going to need to do a lot better if we are to get back to winning ways at home and, more importantly, prove to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City we can challenge them. Whether or not we can remains to be seen. It could be another case of 'same old Arsenal' or maybe we can do something that little bit different, but we need to do something before the transfer window closes on September 1st. Let's focus on bolstering the ranks and making sure we get maximum points when we travel to Newcastle for our next league encounter.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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