‘TOTAL RUBBISH’: Why Mikel Arteta shouted at Gabriel Martinelli during Arsenal clash with Liverpool at Anfield
Arsenal travelled to Anfield knowing that a win on Christmas Day would put them top of the table. In one of the performances of the season, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mohamed Salah shared the points with two goals.
The match was completely chaotic, with both teams threatening, especially in the closing stages. Both teams had plenty of chances, which was in contrast to the dull entertainment that the fans who watched Manchester United away on Merseyside a week earlier had.
The match was filmed by Sky Sports cameras, but football.london was on hand to bring you the interesting facts that the TV footage might have missed.
Martin Odegaard’s treatment
You never want players to be nervous before a game, but it was hard not to be when Martin Odegaard asked for help from a member of Arsenal’s medical staff before the game. Fortunately, it was something minor.
The Norwegian put something on the back of his calf and continued with the warm-up. Odegaard suffered a concussion and a hip injury during the autumn training camp, which prevented him from playing in several games, but fortunately he returned.
Coach Jorginho
Despite being a substitute, the Italian spent all his time in the warm-up. He was attached to the sideline and moved with the back four, effectively acting as an extra coach.
The future of the experienced central midfielder remains uncertain. Arsenal have the option to extend his contract, but for another 12 months if they wish.
As more experienced players may leave in the next six to seven months, it might make sense to keep the former Chelsea player. He helps both on and off the pitch.
Arteta calls for Bukayi Saka
Liverpool wanted to spend as much time as possible on the far side of the pitch and try to bypass Arsenal’s midfield. Arsenal’s defenders were constantly bombarded with crosses that had to be cleared.
Mikel Arteta clearly wanted his team to stop Arsenal at the source. Bukayo Saka was caught high in the penalty area and did not provide Ben White with the service he needed.
At the second foul, Arteta called for his right winger to come back and support the central defender. In the following moments, Saka knew he couldn’t get too far away without making an effort and coming back.
