Liverpool have picked up maximum points from their opening three matches of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared that Jurgen Klopp told his Liverpool players at half-time to ‘get a runner down the side’ in order to ‘drag’ out Arsenal’s centre-backs from their positions in the middle of the penalty area.
The Reds recorded a 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday, with Joel Matip and a Mo Salah brace ensuring that they maintained their 100% start to the new season.
Liverpool ended up scoring two goals after the break, with Klopp’s tactical change at half-time resulting in his team winning a penalty which was converted by Salah. He then netted a brilliant solo goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League during his post-match interview (24/08/2019), Alexander-Arnold interestingly explained what happened at half-time which helped his team to victory.
“They [Arsenal] probably set-up knowing that we were going it cross it [from out wide],” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports PL. “They were ready, as other teams we try to create a yard and then surprise them with a quick ball from the front.
“They were prepared in all ways for crosses. They almost invited us to cross the ball and then the gaffer said at half-time that if we can get a runner down the side then it’ll drag a centre-half out.
“If you look at the goal straight after half-time, Hendo takes the runner away and I am able to play it into Bobby and he’s able to set-up Mo. We got the penalty and we were in no matter what. That was the idea to drag a centre-half out and not let them stay in the middle and head the ball away.”
In the end, it was a pretty comfortable win for Liverpool, who suffocated Arsenal in their own half and walked away with three points.
Klopp’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet this season and it is one area that the German will be hoping to get right as the games mount.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is currently on the sidelines with an injury as his potential return will help them at the back.
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