Arsenal beats Liverpool as Anfield offensive crisis deepens

Liverpool records zero shots on target in offensive slump

Liverpool recorded 17 shots during the match against Arsenal, but those efforts produced a combined expected goals value of 1.15. The team attempted 34 crosses throughout the match, though many of these attempts were inaccurate.

Liverpool has created only seven big chances in the Premier League this season.

Expensive forward line underperforms expectations

These three expensive signings have failed to perform in decisive matches.

Florian Wirtz has yet to score in the league this season, and his development is being compared to Philippe Coutinho.

Andoni Iraola defends late tactical substitutions

Manager Andoni Iraola is tasked with solving the team's offensive struggles. Late in the match, Iraola substituted Rio Ngumoha, Victor Munoz, and Dom Szoboszlai to attempt to score from outside the box.

Iraola explained the tactical change after the game. He said: "I decided to finish with Rio [Ngumoha], with Victor [Munoz] and put in Dom [Szoboszlai] to see if we could maybe from one shot outside the box, to score in different ways".

Mikel Arteta celebrates 14-year wait for Anfield win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was "So happy, so proud" following the victory at Anfield. He told Arsenal Media that the win marked a proud moment for everyone at the football club.

The victory ended a 14-year wait for an Arsenal win at the stadium. Arteta said his team remained prepared to navigate difficult moments after a 3-0 loss to Fleetwood four days ago.

Arteta credited the players for being ready to grab their opportunities when they arrived. Arsenal has performed strongly this season, with the only other league blemish being a 3-0 loss to Brighton several weeks ago.

Historical context of Liverpool's recent form

The defeat snapped a five-game winning streak for Liverpool. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice described the intensity of the home crowd, stating, "This stadium creates waves and waves of attacks".

Liverpool previously failed to record a shot on target in a top-flight match against Arsenal in January 2026. The independent.co.uk reported that Liverpool also lost 3-0 to Manchester City in a recent match where Ryan Gravenberch was sent off and the team managed six shots on target.

Liverpool considers transfer alternatives to Wirtz

Liverpool is currently considering alternatives to Florian Wirtz. According to sports.yahoo.com, the club has identified Joshua Abe and Erik Farkas as potential candidates to replace the struggling forward.