Arsenal and Liverpool delivered yet another entertaining showdown, this time in the FA Cup, even if the shooting boots of both teams were lacking for most parts.
As you would expect, it was a hard-hitting and thunderous FA Cup showdown at the Emirates, with an own goal from Jakub Kiwior in the 80th minute and a late Luiz Diaz goal proving to be the difference for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.
During the game, there were a lot of aggressive tackles being made by both teams, including from Arsenal right-back, Ben White.
Commentator Guy Mowbray noticed how even the on-field referee John Brooks appreciated Ben White’s tackle on Liverpool winger Luiz Diaz by ’nodding his head in approval’, as he told BBC One.
The challenge happened near the touchline as Luiz Diaz tried to run away with the ball, but he was swiftly stopped in his tracks by the £50 million Arsenal man.
As you would expect, it got a roar of approval from the Arsenal home crowd, who loved how their team started the game and their performances for large parts of the match, up until their lack of finishing cost them towards the end.
Ben White v Liverpool
“Listen to the noise around the ground, they enjoyed that,” said Mowbray about White’s tackle.
Alan Shearer stated “They are liking what they are seeing, other than putting the ball into the back of the net. Everything else has been superb. Their attitude, commitment and effort in going into tackles.”
Mowbray added: “Even referee John Brooks nodded his head in approval at that challenge.”
Arsenal’s attacking problems
In terms of the performance, putting aside some of the decision-making in the final third or finishing, was pretty good.
Mikel Arteta’s side did many things right, but once again, they just couldn’t finish off their dinner. Something which is now beginning to become a major problem.
Even before this game, there was a lot of talk about Arsenal needing a number nine, the name of Ivan Toney continues to get trotted about.
But the fact of the matter is, at this moment in time, they are struggling, lacking in confidence and it is costing them.
The festive period was one to forget for the Gunners, now this FA Cup defeat, with mighty pressure on the team as their next Premier League game is on January 20 against Crystal Palace.
You just know how Roy Hodgson’s side are going to set up. They will sit back and then counter, which will just make things more difficult for Arsenal.
The post 'Nodded his head': Commentator says even the referee loved what £50m Arsenal star did v Liverpool appeared first on HITC.
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