Liverpool legend Danny Murphy admits he is concerned about the way Thiago Alcantara was left choking on Arsenal’s dust in the build-up to Bukayo Saka’s late first-half strike during Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League defeat at the Emirates, speaking on Match of the Day 2.
Alongside the re-energised Darwin Nunez, Thiago was one of a few bright sparks for Jurgen Klopp’s beleaguered side in north London. Well, on the ball, that is.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich playmaker hardly covered himself in glory as Arsenal turned defence into attack on the stroke of the interval; Thiago unable or unwilling to keep pace with a rapid counter-attack as Saka eventually tucked home a wonderful Gabriel Martinelli cross.
“One other worrying sign; you watch (Martin) Odegaard spring forward,” says Murphy, a FA Cup winner with Liverpool in 2001.
“Thiago sees him. His reaction to try and get back is a little bit worrying for me. We know he’s a wonderful technician. But, really, you should be busting a gut to try and get back in. You shouldn’t have your striker, Nunez, overtaking you to try and get in the box and clear the cross.
“That’s a little bit of a concern. Especially when you play with two. Nunez, who’s a striker, sprinted past his midfield player.”
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli inspire Arsenal to Liverpool win
Saka’s second of the game – a penalty smashed home after a debatable Thiago foul – extends Arsenal’s best start to a Premier League season in well over a decade. Mikel Arteta’s side are a point clear of Manchester City; eight wins in nine to their name.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are now two places behind a Bournemouth team battered 9-0 at Anfield a couple of weeks ago. The Reds have tasted victory on just two occasions so far this term.
“Very disappointed,” Klopp sighed at full-time. “I think, around all three goals, we made decisive mistakes. 1-0 down (after less than a minute to Martinelli); really bad start.
“We scored the equaliser; a wonderful goal, great play. Then we make a bad decision before half-time.”
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