Liverpool ended Arsenal’s winning start to the season with a thorough 3-1 win at Anfield, as Nicolas Pepe and David Luiz struggled.
Many Arsenal fans will be forgiven for thinking they might have had a chance today to get something out of the game at Anfield. Liverpool were right on their game plan and kept pushing Arsenal backward as they found a breakthrough late in the first half. The goals then came in as Mohamed Salah scored two in the second half to send Liverpool firmly on top of the standings.
A late Lucas Torreira goal was fruitless as Arsenal stumbled to their first loss of the season. There were many positives to be taken from the game as Unai Emery showcased that his team could carry out a game plan, but without consistency. The likes of Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos impressed in pockets, but overall, Arsenal suffered against an attack-minded Liverpool outfit.
So Twitter, as is the routine, erupted against Arsenal’s performance. There were a few culprits that Twittersphere are blaming for this loss, notably David Luiz. The Brazilian was at fault in conceding the penalty and also the man to let Salah breeze past him for the third goal. Twitter were not so lenient on him and made their feelings known.
There was further chatter on Nicolas Pepe, who for most parts shined, but could not convert a golden chance when offered. There were also some harsh words and some kinder ones on Arsenal’s performances. Fans were undoubtedly unhappy with Luiz but were somewhat okay with Arsenal’s overall performance against Liverpool.
So here are some of the picked reactions from Twitter on Arsenal after the Gunners lost yet again to Liverpool at Anfield.
Let’s begin with what Twitter felt about Luiz’s performance on the night. The defender certainly had a nightmare second half, but he was decent in the first period.
Salah getting past David Luizpic.twitter.com/iqbgIh4X7i
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 24, 2019
Sunday league defending from David Luiz. Horrible
— Kenshi (@Ezxmuoh) August 24, 2019
As a defender David Luiz as passed his prime, once again arsenal have no defenders
— Gbenga Jnr (Mídè) (@captainsalazar0) August 24, 2019
@DavidLuiz_4 to @Arsenal could be the worst buy of the season already, giving away a needless pk & at fault for the 3rd goal? besides #Pepe ?
— Jade/ToDareIsToDo (@Simons_spurs) August 24, 2019
Buying David luiz when you have serious defensive problems.. I’ll never understand that ?
— Brody (@Brody_W_M) August 24, 2019
david luiz is an absolute shambles guy
— nabeel (@kippiewasloved) August 24, 2019
DT with all due respect how can you justify?
•David Luiz playing in a back 4?
•Pepe being wasteful in the first half.
•Not starting Torriera or Lacazette
•Playing Xhaka and Guendouzi.Emery contract expires in June and Allegri is available ? pic.twitter.com/GPyZPRhyZs
— abdi (@abdi42909658) August 24, 2019
Then some tweets on Arsenal and in particular their performance at Anfield. There are some solid opinions here.
Arsenal aren't on Liverpool's level. Won't be for at least 18 months. Debatable if Emery is the man to bridge that gap but he has to do so much better with the team defensively. Arsenal are terrible without the ball & until they fix that, they'll always be vulnerable #LIVARS
— Uche Amako (@UcheAmako) August 24, 2019
Liverpool to Arsenal fans who thought they could win at Anfield
Stupid!! Stupid!! Stupid!!#LIVARS #LFC #YNWA pic.twitter.com/30rZwLR0iO— LFC – 6 time European champions ? (@Ariidunnu) August 24, 2019
Although, Arsenal lost today, there was plenty of hope that we can take from it.
Q
1. Unai Emery has a working game plan although we need some more players to get it right next time.
2. Nicholas Pepe is really good. The trio of Laca, Auba and Pepe might be the best we ever had.— 13animesh (@3167Animesh) August 24, 2019
You know what I hate so much, the fact that whenever Arsenal lose , people get pissy at Emery, yeah he did a wrong line up but stop being disrespectful people. no need to insult anyone.
— S.GhazaliFard (@SGhazaliFard) August 24, 2019
Emery is not the answer for Arsenal. We clearly need a pattern and right now we have non. Changing formation every now and then is not a thing Arsenal football club should be doing. @fkhanage #LIVARS #AFC
— MikkyOlly-AFC (@MikkyOlly15) August 24, 2019
Finally, we have the glossary on Nicolas Pepe and what fans thought about his performance on his first start in an Arsenal shirt. The sad part was it came against a rampant Liverpool side.
Arsenal have a real baller in Nico Pepe though. Saw plenty of glimpses from him today.
— TheNonchalantOne (@Kharis96) August 24, 2019
#Pepe learning that playing in the #EPL is NOT the same as playing French farmers and Bistro owners every week in the French league. Totally invisible. #LIVARS
— JessopWillard (@JessopWillard) August 24, 2019
Was there any end product for the dribble??? #Pepe
— Ma̶̲̥̅̊sterkra̶̲̥̅ft (@Zermadikaker) August 24, 2019
We cannot play like today next week. If we have @Aubameyang7 @LacazetteAlex and #Pépé @UnaiEmery_ has to use them.
— Agustín Rivera ? (@Agustin_RiveraH) August 24, 2019
#Pepe was dangerous in moments but also very careless at times, want to see him with Auba/Laca staff together, he’s a very good player and caused problems at times, needs to do it more consistently #Arsenal
— Firmino (@ZaanQadri) August 24, 2019