While the 0-0 result suggests Liverpool vs Arsenal was lacking in quality, one star who has struggled all season was immense over 90 minutes.
It was a ‘Big Six’ clash typical of this Premier League season, in that it was a bit of a borefest.
Arne Slot masterminded a magnificent defensive display that kept Arsenal from threatening the goal, but there wasn’t enough cutting edge in Liverpool’s attack to capitalise on the clean sheet away from home.
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Strong at the back, less so up front, but it was a midfield performance that stood out for the Reds, and it provides encouragement of a turnaround in form for one of last season’s best players.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesAlexis Mac Allister was superb against Arsenal
We haven’t seen the best of Alexis Mac Allister for most of this season.
There have been a couple of strong displays to look back on for the Argentinian, but this game at the Emirates showed a noticeable improvement.
Mac Allister voiced his frustration at Liverpool’s transfer business recently but he himself hasn’t been up to scratch this season.
What was different about Liverpool’s midfield vs Arsenal?
The most passes from a visiting team at the Emirates in five seasons 😮
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney
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Against Arsenal, though, he was a major factor in winning the midfield battle. His calmness in possession allowed Liverpool to play out on multiple occasions, and he created two chances when venturing further up the pitch.
On the defensive side, he was a thorn in Arsenal’s side, cutting passing lanes and getting stuck into challenges.
Mac Allister has been quietly improving in recent weeks. During Liverpool’s title run, he was one of the standout performers, week in, week out. Seeing him get back to those levels bodes well for the second half of the season.
Liverpool signed Mac Allister from Brighton for just £35m, but how much would he cost now? 🤑
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Lots of promise at Liverpool after a difficult few months
Look, there’s no dodging the fact that this season hasn’t gone as most Reds supporters would have expected after such a statement transfer window.
There have been some disappointing draws recently, but Liverpool seem to have kicked the habit of losing.
Arsenal have raced off towards the title, and while they are not yet in the clear, for Slot’s side to catch up would take an extraordinary collapse.
But the FA Cup and Champions League are still there for the taking. Seeing some of our most important players getting back up to speed suggests this season can still produce something worth cheering for.
Hopefully, Mac Allister can stay on this trajectory as the games come thick and fast.
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