After losing to Liverpool, Arsenal demonstrated why they can only be runners-up.

It was a match heavily influenced by Arsenal’s tactical approach—quite different from their usual free-flowing style. Meanwhile, Liverpool didn’t change their gameplay but deserved the win thanks to individuals capable of deciding the outcome.

Arsenal can compete for the title but struggle to claim it

The match at Anfield in the 3rd round of the Premier League was not only a test of strength but also a "yardstick" for the championship ambitions of both Liverpool and Arsenal. In the summer of 2025, both clubs invested heavily, with Arsenal aiming to end their streak of finishing second for three consecutive seasons. Liverpool, on the other hand, wanted to prove they are the rightful heirs of the Premier League and capable of dominating the league for many more years. While these are long-term goals, after 90 minutes, only one club achieved their aim: Liverpool.

Although both teams started the season perfectly with two straight wins, Arne Slot’s squad still faced many doubts, especially in defense. In a tense first half, the home team clearly showed they are still a work in progress and vulnerable. Unfortunately, Arsenal failed to capitalize on this, despite missing Bukayo Saka due to injury and Martin Odegaard only fit enough to sit on the bench. On the pitch, the trio Madueke - Gyokeres - Martinelli seemed to be there just for show, with their effectiveness being very poor.

The Emirates side remained faithful to Mikel Arteta’s possession-based style and sought danger mainly from set pieces instead of applying high pressure when opponents showed weakness. This passivity meant North London’s representatives didn’t create enough clear chances. In fact, everyone knows how much Arteta fears losing.

After Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool, former defender Gary Neville stated that Arsenal’s tactics prevented them from generating many opportunities against Liverpool.“Arsenal played very strangely. They passed back frequently in this match. Honestly, if Declan Rice or any of their players had the ball about 50-60 meters from Liverpool’s penalty area, they wouldn’t pass to Gyokeres near the opponent’s box but would instead play back to David Raya. It’s unbelievable!”

Former defender Jamie Carragher also agreed with Neville’s assessment that Arsenal lacked creativity and were overly cautious: “Arsenal’s problem is creativity. That was their issue last season; they didn’t create enough chances to score.”

Facing an Arsenal content with a draw, Liverpool showed their champion’s character after the break. The game’s intensity increased, and pressure steadily mounted on Arsenal’s defense. Not rushed but well-organized and calculated, every Liverpool attack forced Arsenal’s backline to stay fully focused to avoid conceding. The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Martin Zubimendi fouled Curtis Jones. Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a stunning direct free kick from over 30 meters, scoring the decisive goal.

The decisive star factor

Szoboszlai’s brilliant moment not only secured three points for Liverpool but also served as a costly reminder for Arsenal: in top-level matches, sometimes a single extraordinary individual moment or a small mistake can determine the entire game’s fate. This loss reminds that to conquer glory, beyond desire and determination, a team must have the ability to convert pressure into goals and the courage to seize even the smallest opportunities.

Arsenal spent a fortune to bring in Madueke, Eze, and Gyokeres but still have not transformed their game. What Arteta’s team showed against Liverpool last night only reminded Gunners fans of the past. If Arsene Wenger were managing this squad, Liverpool would have suffered much more. There would be sharp attacks, fast wing plays, and Gyokeres would have plenty of chances to showcase his finishing skills.

Safety is necessary, but too much caution has made Arsenal struggle. They didn't even play a counter-attacking style to utilize the talents of Madueke, Martinelli, Eze, and Gyokeres. Arsenal can’t play the slow, grinding style like Jose Mourinho’s teams used to. But it’s worth noting that even playing Mourinho’s way, they would have troubled Liverpool whenever pushing forward. Arsenal under Arteta is still far from that irritating style Mourinho employed.

The season is still long, and Mikel Arteta’s team needs to improve. With only 3 rounds played, everything is still ahead. But Arteta should be warned: when the club’s board spends so much money and he fails to deliver the title, his position as head coach will need serious reconsideration.