Release The Handbrake: Three Things We Learned after Arsenal lost to Liverpool at Anfield

Here's Ian Mills with his regular series Three Things We Learned in the aftermath of Arsenal's defeat at Liverpool 

Time to release the handbrake after Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach costs Arsenal following Liverpool's 1-0 over Arsenal through an 83rd minute winner from Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield.

1 - Release the handbrake

– when the starting line up was announced, social media went into a frenzy as to why Mikel Merino and Gabi Martinelli were starting while Eberechie Eze was left on the bench.  

I understand that Martinelli’s good goalscoring record versus the reigning Premier League Champions and his defensive work were clearly appealing, while the Spainard is an experienced head to call on in midfield.

These decisions underlined Mikel Arteta’s inherent caution - understandable to a certain extent when you are facing Liverpool in their own backyard, at a ground we have not won for 13 years and without four first team players - but still a frustrating mindest nonetheless. 

Having been the better side in the first half, I thought we had to be braver after the interval and should have brought Eze and Martin Odegaard on at the start of the second period when the game was there to be won at 0-0.

We had eight corners, all poorly delivered and easily defended, we have to start creating more from open play, Viktor Gyokeres will not be able to get the goals he and this team crave unless he gets the service.

A 1-0 away defeat to one of your main title challengers in August is not a fatal blow, but it needs to be one we learn from. Yet, we must be more positive and go for the win in big games - without of course leaving ourselves exposed in defence.  

2 - Martinelli’s form and confidence a real concern

– our Brazilian delivered another underwhelming display and there must now be serious consideration given to leaving him out of the first eleven on a permanent basis.

One moment in the first half summed up his current form and confidence when he was on the ball and Viktor Gyokeres made a great run and Martinelli ignored him and ended up losing possession very cheaply.

Despite a raft of early season injuries, we have a much stronger squad this time around meaning no one should feel comfortable that their starting place is guaranteed – that has to be earned. Eze must come into the side versus Nottingham Forest, he has the ability to create something out of nothing and given our current lack of creativity (aside from our set pieces) this side is crying out for that.

3 - Mosquera, Madueke and Calafiori all impress

– there were some positives to come from this game, and they were the performances of three players.

Cristhian Mosquera was quite simply outstanding as a very early replacement for William Saliba. He looks to be a real find and one of the most astute pieces of incoming transfer business we have done in a very good summer window.

Another summer capture, Noni Maudeke, was a constant threat on the right wing and has electric pace. His directness again offers this team a different threat.

Riccardo Calafiori seems to have nailed down the left back position and his good form continued as he performed well to nullify the threat from Mo Salah.

I do wonder if the likely acquisition of Piero Hincapie, who is able to play at centre back and left back, will allow Myles Lewis-Skelly to move into his more natural midfield role – one to watch I reckon.