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| Liverpool's dominance reflected on the scoreboard. Source: Mirror. |
The Match [The Torture]
Arsenal's run of tough games in February began with Liverpool at Anfield, and the Reds stunned.
I don't think many people saw this coming. Yes, I thought there would be goals. But I thought it would be close. Arsenal played worse than I did in FIFA earlier that evening. Liverpool played like they were against your mates 10 year old sister on FIFA.
The first 20 minutes were pure brilliance for Liverpool, and torture to watch as an Arsenal fan.
While the first goal was quite possibly offside, Arsenal have no excuses for how they allowed themselves to get pummeled with four goals before lunchtime.
After the first goal the game was decided. 2-0, Arsenal could not come back. 3-0 we didn't even look close to coming back and winning it. 4-0 it was all over.
After half time, Gooners were collectively hoping that it could not get any worse. Any hopes for a comeback, or even trying to make the score look okay, were dashed when Liverpool scored a 5th. 5-0 up and the game was completly over.
The second half was more evenly matched after that, with Arteta scoring a consolation penalty goal in the 69th minute after a Steven Gerrard foul in the box.
But Liverpool kept Arsenal under pressure until the end, and were deserved winners.
Where do we go from here? [Warning: This is my opinion section]
First of all, Ozil was invisible on the field. When he did feature it was to make two, very poor blunders. Ozil is a world class player. He is someone who has the responsibility to dictate the terms of the opponents and create the pace of the midfield. Ozil cannot be expected to not carry the team, but he played very poorly. If I was Wenger I would have Rosicky starting against Manchester United.
Wilshere appeared to be the only player showing passion and emotion and desire to win the game, even as we were getting pummeled. Sometimes I wish we had 11 Jack Wilshere's on the pitch. Jack lacks maturity and experience, but he makes up for that in passion. He needs to develop as a player but he is still a bright beacon of hope for Arsenal.
Injuries. I don't think it should be used as an excuse, but Arsenal are really missing the influence of Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott. I hope they both get well soon. We need you boys! I know Theo's recovery is a long way off, but Giroud is not pushing up front and he isn't threatening the opponents. Love the man, he isn't enough of a threat at the moment.
Finally, just want to thank all the Gooners I was chatting to on Twitter. While the first 20 minutes were literally more torturous than any football game I've ever experienced, the negativity disappeared after the initial shock (or maybe those fans just went bye, done with this) and everyone was extremely positive. The people I saw on my timeline were optimistic and giving credit to Liverpool for a great performance. Those are the fans, and people, who embody what Gooners should be. Them, and the away fans, who never stop chanting.
Bring on the rematch next Saturday! Lets knock 'em out of the FA Cup.
Stay positive, Gooners.
- KiwiGoonerGirl
