“Physically we are not ready”, Wenger told reporters at the Emirates Stadium. It was a game of contrast between two halves but I felt as well that mentally we kept going and we have been absolutely remarkable on that front. We just need to be a little bit more streetwise there.
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Not too many changes from last season, but the pace, high pressure and constant push forward with the ball created enormous pressure on a ragtag Arsenal defense, crumbling once Philippe Coutinho scored a lovely free kick, and added another one before exiting for Emre Can, when things went downhill for them.
Look at the players who have gone to each and it’s clear to see why all three are expected to get back onto the podium this season.
“We can always score goals and we can defend much better”, said their manager Juergen Klopp.
Klopp celebrated Mane’s goal by allowing the Senegalese forward to leap onto his back, but he had to endure a nervy finale as goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers gave Arsenal hope.
Former Sunderland midfielder Henderson added: “We opened the path for them again”.
Bellamy, of course, was plagued by injury problems throughout his career and had surgery several times on his knees.
“There are a lot of things to improve on and work on, but a lot of good things as well”, said the England worldwide.
It’s a standing joke among Arsenal supporters that the club remains stuck in some kind of never-ending Groundhog Day where every season keeps churning out the same storylines.
Arsenal’s star playmaker Mesut Ozil may sit out of the Gunners crucial Premier League clash with last seasons champions Leicester City.
Liverpool, looking likely at one point to be even more comfortable winners at Arsenal, eventually came through 4-3.
“You are in a Catch 22 situation with the Euros – do you give the players a rest and start the season without many of your players?”
While talking about the game after the match, Wenger said: “We pushed players today like Ramsey”.
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The season may only be a game old and top sides start slow all the time (just ask Arsène Wenger), but this result is particularly troubling for Leicester because it’s still unclear how good they actually are.
