X reacts as Liverpool punish Arsenal’s profligacy in FA Cup win

Arsenal were dealt a third straight defeat on Sunday afternoon, losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

The Gunners rattled off 18 shots – the most Liverpool have conceded in any game this season with all 11 players on the pitch – but failed to find the net or force Alisson into any spectacular saves. Not for the first time this season – or this winter – Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them.

Mikel Arteta admitted that his Arsenal side “weren’t at the level” or “good enough” in consecutive defeats to West Ham United and Fulham in preparation for this cup tie. Yet, the hosts looked more like their most potent selves with a fast start at the Emirates Stadium – even if the all-white kit did throw off some spectators.

Arsenal rattled off seven shots before Liverpool had their first effort – a forgettable half-chance – of the match. Reiss Nelson rounded Alisson but couldn’t convert from a tight angle before Martin Odegaard tested the structural integrity of the goal frame with a blast against the crossbar.

Trent Alexander-Arnold battered Arsenal‘s crossbar at the sharp end of a sporadic Liverpool attack but the visitors were certainly fortunate to go in at half-time level.

Arsenal’s skewed radar had not been calibrated during the interval, with each forward taking turns to find new ways to waste clear sights of goal.

For all of Arsenal’s wasted opportunities, Liverpool’s latent threat always bubbled beneath the surface. The introduction of Diogo Jota brought it closer to the boil before Alexander-Arnold forced…