ARSENAL proved they are the new “mentality monsters” after twice being pegged back before beating Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp gave his Reds the title after they won the FA Cup in May – yet they looked anything but as they fell 14 points behind the new league leaders.
The Gunners are firmly in a title race with Manchester City and they are beginning to show all the positive elements of Pep Guardiola’s side.
They may lack a prolific frontman in Erling Haaland but they make up for it with their intensity and a newfound never-say-die attitude.
Like City so often do, Arsenal scored early on through Gabriel Martinelli, who praised his side’s spirit after the match.
The North Londoners were not at their best against a determined Liverpool side but responded brilliantly to Darwin Nunez’s equaliser to lead at half-time.
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But that was only made possible thanks to a brilliant show of character.
Despite the early setback, Liverpool dominated the ball and found a way back into the game through Nunez’s third goal of the season.
In years gone by that goal may have led Arsenal to crumble – but not on this occasion.
And although the Gunners did not hit back immediately, they dug in deep and showed a grittiness that is now integral to Arteta’s side.
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Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka kept a close eye on Liverpool’s dangermen and both broke up Liverpool’s play, making good use of the dark arts to prevent the visitors breaking at pace.
It may not have been pretty on the eye but it kept the score even and helped set up the win after Bukayo Saka pounced just before half-time.
City are often praised for similar tactics and it appears Arteta has learned a lot from his apprenticeship.
His half-time team talk also had a positive effect as his players started the second half looking to finish Liverpool off.
Martin Odegaard missed a wonderful chance to do that and moments later Roberto Firmino had the ball in the net for 2-2.
But Arsenal picked themselves up and another Guardiola mentee, Gabriel Jesus, won a penalty with 15 minutes remaining.
Saka stepped up after a bit of handbags between Xhaka and Jordan Henderson and was the coolest man inside the Emirates as he slotted in from 12 yards.
Arsenal have now won eight of their nine Premier League games and have got their busy October off to a dream start.
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It is three down, six to go for the Gunners this month but the toughest games are already behind them and the win over Bodo/Glimt showed there is genuine strength in depth.
Arsenal are a young side in new territory but with the composure, belief and spirit on display today, they could easily go toe-to-toe with City for the title.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
