Liverpool produced a stunning performance to dismantle Arsenal during a hugely deserved 3-1 victory at Anfield on Monday night.
Every single member of Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League-winning XI put in a shift to maintain the club’s 100 per cent start to the season and there were a number of candidates for the man-of-the-match award.
From defence to attack, Liverpool’s gameplan was to press the life out of an Arsenal side who prior to the Anfield affair had won both of their opening PL matches.
Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and debutant Diogo Jota were all on the scoresheet for Liverpool as Klopp’s team made it three wins from three.
One player who was outstanding throughout was the returning Joe Gomez.
Liverpool’s English defender Joe Gomez controls the ball 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)
A class act
Gomez was back to his best following his return to the first-team after missing matches against Chelsea and Lincoln due to a minor injury.
He was reinstated alongside Virgil van Dijk and the England international oozed quality from start-to-finish.
Gomez utilised the ball extremely efficiently averaging an impressive pass succession rate of 91.2% while his total of 125 passes was only beaten by his defensive counterpart Van Dijk (128).
Offensively, Gomez demonstrated another element to his game, contributing one key pass while making more dribbles (2) than any other Liverpool player barring Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He offered Liverpool composure on the ball while defensively he was solid too. Gomez’s recovery pace is nothing shy of extraordinary as it allows the Reds to push higher up the pitch and press the opposition with the knowledge that both of Klopp’s centre backs are very rarely beaten for pace.
Gomez’s involvement also allowed Fabinho to be reinstated back in his preferred defensive midfield role which proved crucial as it was Brazilian’s work rate and persistent drive in midfield to recover possession which proven crucial in Liverpool’s counter-press.
Fabinho made three tackles and three interceptions – more than any Liverpool player.
Gomez nullified the Arsenal threat with ease and showcased that while he may only be 23, he is still amongst the top central defenders in the division.
It was the perfect response following a shaky opening day performance against Leeds United a fortnight ago.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal challenges Joe Gomez of Liverpool 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 David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Fan praise for Joe Gomez
Here is a look at how fans reacted to the performance of Gomez…
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 he came back strong tonight. Superb
— BOYALL (@lewis7boyall) September 28, 2020
Yep Joe Gomez for me top class defending
— S.J.KENSHOLE PLASTER (@SJKENSHOLEPLAST) September 28, 2020
He is a RollsRoyce of a defender. Cool clam and when he does make a mistake like playing Aubameyang inside near the end he gets back and blocks each effort. Very underrated and appreciated
— BackItRalph (@BItralph) September 28, 2020
Gomez or Mane, Alisson also made good saves.
Or give it to Jota who scored the goal that took us above that lot accross the park 😂— R1ch (@noneshall_pass) September 28, 2020
Gomez has a knack of being in the right place and exactly the right time. Him alongside Virgil shouldn’t be questioned.
— James Brown (@JayGB1982) September 28, 2020
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