Philippe Coutinho orchestrated a Liverpool fightback and left Arsenal on the wrong end of a 4-3 home defeat on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Theo Walcott saw his penalty save before moments later opening the scoring shortly after the half hour mark, but Coutinho's delightful free-kick on the stroke of half-time totally changed the complexion of the game.
Adam Lallana put Liverpool ahead within four minutes of the restart before Coutinho added his second of the afternoon. Liverpool new-boy Sadio Mane put the visitors in firm control before substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled a goal back for Arsene Wenger's men.
Calum Chambers headed home 15 minutes from time to ensure a nervy finish, but Liverpool held on and as early as game one Arsenal's title challenge has already suffered a big blow.
With the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all unavailable it was always going to be difficult for Arsenal, but the hosts looked like the side more in control of the game in the first half.
When Walcott saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet it already felt like it wasn't going to be our day, but when the forward latched onto Alex Iwobi's pass to open the scoring I wondered maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of a good afternoon. That wasn't the case.
Despite seeming more in control of the first half we couldn't hold on until half-time. Liverpool were awarded with what looked at first glance like a very soft free-kick. Either way, the way in which it was executed by Coutinho was sublime and it was a truly great goal to get Liverpool back into the game.
All Arsenal's hard work was then totally undone within 12 minutes of the restart as Liverpool raced into a 3-1 lead. It was a deserved lead though as the visitors really did step things up a gear in the second half. Once again Coutinho was involved as his flick released Georginio Wijnaldum, who crossed for Lallana to fire home. Two soon became three as Nathaniel Clyne set up Coutinho to score his second before Mane fired a shot into the top corner.
I couldn't believe how dramatically the game had changed. Although I always knew the game would be tough, I didn't expect it to unfold in quite the way it was happening.
Arsenal were given a glimmer of hope after 64 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain ran between two defenders before cutting inside and sending a shot beyond Mignolet. Even with a possible comeback now on, I still couldn't see beyond anything other than a Liverpool win.
Chambers headed in from Cazorla's free-kick and with the score now at 4-3 and 15 minutes still remaining I really should have been filled with more hope of at least snatching a draw. Instead, even then, I wasn't really feeling like it could be our day and so it proved to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Liverpool fan Darren Warburton was in positive mood after the match.
"Liverpool going into the game on the back of a good pre-season and the squad looking in good shape," said Warburton. "I was feeling quietly confident going into the game and after seeing a weakened Arsenal defence.
"The game started pretty slowly – with very little chances and both teams cancelling each other out.
"Arsenal were growing into the game and were taking advantage of Liverpool's weakness in Alberto Moreno. This was then rewarded with a rash tackle in the area and gave Theo Walcott the opportunity to open Arsenals account. Not looking overly confident and a poor penalty and let off for Liverpool. Arsenal then won the ball back and Moreno was so far out position and punished more poor defending.
"Thankfully some pure magic by the Brazilian Magician allowed Liverpool to equalise with a stunning free-kick on the stroke of half-time. This combined with a Klopp rollicking (likely) meant Liverpool came out a different beast – scoring some wonderful goals to go 4-1 up. Sadio Mane the pick of the bunch with a great individual goal.
"Some would say game over, as Liverpool were looking comfortable and Arsenal fans already calling for Wenger's head! Some would say this, but there is a reason this is the best league in the world.
"Arsenal scored a very quick reply and then with 15 minutes to go Chambers added a 3rd to make for a tense finish, but Liverpool held out.
Both teams have great attacking talent, but as the score line suggests both will probably fall short of the title due to defensive frailties.
"What a game and start to the Premier league – oh how we have missed you."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It is far too early to be able to make firm conclusions about Arsenal's title credentials, but it remains clear that we still need to buy another one or two experienced players of high quality. Whether or not we will is another matter. After opening weekend disappointment, we must make sure we travel to champions Leicester and get nothing other than three points, something we managed successfully last season. If we are to avoid it turning into yet another frustrating season we need to hit the ground running starting now and win our back-to-back away games against the Foxes and Watford. There are no excuses.
Many will say it is more of the same old story from Arsenal and in some ways it is hard to argue with it. Arsene Wenger and the players need to up their game and prove us all wrong and that the Liverpool defeat was merely a blip. Will they do this? Who knows, let's wait and see but we definitely need to see a better showing in the next game.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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