Liverpool fans react to the performance of Alisson Becker

Much of the pre-match meltdown for Liverpool supporters was the knowledge that goalkeeper Alisson Becker and new signing Thiago Alcantara potentially wouldn’t be available for the clash with Arsenal on Monday night.

When the team news dropped, such concerns were only partly eased as Liverpool’s No.1 retained his place in goal.

There had been worries that the Brazilian international wouldn’t feature under the Anfield lights having missed two training sessions prior to the fixture.

While Jurgen Klopp revealed that Thiago will be out until after the international break after suffering a fitness issue, Alisson was available to start for the Premier League champions.

How grateful Liverpool were that he was following a goalkeeping masterclass in the second half. While Alisson wasn’t to know that Alexandre Lacazette would ultimately be ruled offside when played clear behind the Reds defence, he made himself a gargantuan figure between the sticks standing tall to repel the striker’s finish.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Alisson Becker of Liverpool saves a shot from Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on September 28, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jason Cairnduff – Pool/Getty Images)

Lacazette found himself in again moments later, with only the Reds goalkeeper standing in his way and a second goal on the night. The outcome was the same as Liverpool’s impenetrable Brazilian held his nerve, refused to go to ground and invited the shot. The battle of wits was won in some style.

Adrian has indeed proven himself as a viable option as cover but considering Alisson is regarded as arguably the finest goalkeeper in world football, his presence was initially too great a concern to go a miss before kick-off.

Alisson’s excursions proved crucial as it ensured there was no sign of an unjust reward for Mikel Arteta’s team, who were comprehensively outplayed from start-to-finish.

It truly was a joy to watch as Liverpool hounded Arsenal all night with their pressing, intensity and incessant work-rate which stood alongside any half the champions have played as they romped to the title last season.

This was a statement of intent from Klopp’s ‘mentality monsters’. It was also another timely reminder of why they are champions and just as important, why Alisson is so important to their cause.

Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker shouts to his teammates during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 28, 2020. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Fan praise for Alisson Becker

Here is a look at how fans reacted to the performance of Liverpool’s irreplaceable No.1…

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