Arsenal replaced Odegaard with Mikel Merino in the number 10 position while Eze was surprisingly kept back until the final 20 minutes, when he showed in flashes what he will offer in the future – as well as what he might have offered had he been introduced earlier, or even from the start.
Merino was the safe, experienced option.
The Gunners simply have to find a way to bridge the gap that has been beyond them in recent years, and the manner in which they lost late on here – for all the solidity and organisation they showed – may give Arteta pause for thought that it could need a bolder approach to stop Liverpool retaining their title.
Arteta said: “It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic. You cannot dominate here for 90 minutes, it is impossible. At the end of the game, I said we have to find a way to win these big matches.
“You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it. We were much better than last year, much better. We have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game.”
He added: “You have to take a lot of positives from the game. I haven’t seen Liverpool at home suffering like they did against us.”
Liverpool were not at their best, struggling for fluency and frustrated, but “suffering” is certainly a glass-half-full exaggeration of proceedings from the beaten Arsenal manager.
Arsenal only had the shackles released when they went behind, too late to make a difference against a Liverpool rearguard that performed with the most resistance it has mustered this season.
Arteta’s side were too passive for too long, new striker Gyokeres starved of service but was brushed aside by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate when he did get possession.
Arsenal did not play badly, but they played within themselves against a Liverpool team that has offered encouragement this season to those teams willing to take the fight to them.
Early days, but Liverpool already have an ominous look – and advantage.
When Arsenal enjoyed that last win at Anfield back in 2012, Arteta was playing.
He was not able to change the narrative prowling his technical area. The wait goes on.
