Pundits Michael Owen and Ian Wright agree Alisson was responsible for Liverpool’s second goal against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Reds equalized in the first half despite missing the target, before Gabriel’s goal denied Bukayo Saka’s opener in extra time. Just as Liverpool looked set to go up a point after the restart, Jurgen Klopp’s side shot themselves in the foot again with a brilliant move from Gabriel Martinelli scoring an open goal to put the Gunners ahead.
Captain Virgil van Dijk left the ball long and unmarked for Alisson as he slotted across the Liverpool goal, but both players cleared the ball completely as Arsenal’s Brazilian forward hit the easiest goal of his career. I missed it. It was a miserable moment for Liverpool in a hugely important game as ex-Red Owen and ex-Arsenal striker Wright Alisson claimed responsibility for the goal that restored the home side’s lead at the Emirates Stadium.”It shouldn’t have happened, it’s completely wrong,” Owen told Premier League Productions (via HITC ). “I thought if I had to pick one player, it was Alisson’s fault.
“Look, you can both criticize in different ways. I think Virgil van Dijk could be the referee for this match. He was able to control it and jumped.“If Alisson stays in his line after that, he will be in complete control. It’s under control. He is satisfied with one. Stronger and faster. He was on target and completely under control. Don’t let him out. Then Alisson will come out and have a semi-accident and neither of them will hit her. So I think Alisson’s fault is bigger than Van Dijk’s.”If Alisson doesn’t come, Gabriel Martinelli can’t be on Virgil’s left,” added Wright. It’s impossible for him to get here, but when he sees Alisson there and pushes her a little, everything falls apart. “He needed more contact from the goalkeeper.”Alisson and Van Dijk were reluctant to share responsibility after the goal, with both players barely hiding the glory of Arsenal’s second goal.
The pair were less than impressive in Arsenal’s third and Van Dijk’s decision to rush into midfield for Saka proved costly.Although they showed their defensive ability compared to Manchester United, the overall performance from front to back was quite disappointing. United will need to repair some damage when Burnley travel to Anfield in the Premier League next weekend.
