Paul Merson reacts to Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool FC
Paul Merson has his say on Arsenal's defeat by Liverpool FC at Anfield at the weekend
Paul Merson says he was not surprised to see Arsenal lose to Liverpool FC at the weekend but claims that there are plenty of positives for the Gunners.
Joel Matip headed Liverpool FC into the lead in the first half, before Mohamed Salah scored twice after the break at Anfield to put Liverpool FC in control.
Substitute Lucas Torreira pulled a goal back for Unai Emery’s men late on but Liverpool FC held on to claim all three points.
Nicolas Pepe impressed on his first Premier League start for the Gunners, although he was not as clinical in front of goal as he would have hoped to be.
Merson insists that he was not surprised to see Arsenal suffer a defeat, but he feels that the Gunners have started the season on the front foot.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I didn’t give Arsenal much of a chance at Liverpool, I expected them to get beat and the game went exactly how I thought it would – they had some chances, looked good in parts of the game and then succumbed to the inevitable.
“I was impressed with Nicolas Pepe’s performance at Anfield, but he had to put at least one of his chances away, that’s why Arsenal paid top dollar to bring him to the club. Putting those chances away is what separates a £72m striker and the rest.
“When you go to Liverpool and Manchester City these days, you have to take your chances, Arsenal didn’t. And when a talent like Mohamed Salah when he scores such a special goal, there is nothing you can do but hold your hands up.”
The former Arsenal midfielder also insisted that he is fully expecting to see the Gunners claim all three points when they host bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at The Emirates on Sunday.
He continued: “It wasn’t all bad for Unai Emery’s side. A couple of weeks ago I’d have looked at Sunday’s North London derby and said Arsenal would be happy with a draw, but after their positive start to the season, I expect them to win comfortably now.”
Arsenal have taken six points from their opening three games to leave them in third place in the Premier League table.
