In the context of Arsenal’s lamentable record in this stadium this was actually an improved performance, whatever the scoreline might suggest. They were worn down in the end by a
Liverpool side that started ponderously but eventually found their rhythm and confidence, with
Mohamed Salah enjoying one of his most effective games for a while, though until David Luiz went into malfunction mode in the second half there was little to choose between the two teams at the top of the
Premier League table.
If Liverpool are now the only side with a 100% record,
Arsenal did enough to suggest that once their new signings settle in they should be a force again this season. It is debatable whether a couple of expensive errors by David Luiz can be filed under “settling in”, for this was a display to justify all the doubts raised by those who questioned whether the notoriously fragile Gunners defence really needs such a loose cannon at its heart. While it would be harsh to state that David Luiz cost Arsenal this game, he certainly blighted their chances of making a comeback.