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Brendan Rodgers sides--with or without one Dejan Lovren--have never been known for their defensive cohesion. In fact, quite the opposite. However, as the 2015-16 campaign takes shape, the squad remains one of only three sides to have not yet conceded a goal (the other two both start with the word "Manchester").
Although much maligned throughout last year's campaign, Lovren has started showing signs of the £20M central defender we all hoped we were getting.
Today, he spoke to the official club website about last night's scoreless draw at The Emirates:
"We knew it was going to be a tough game - and we lost here last season - but after the first two games of the season, we had a lot of confidence, so we came here looking for three points.
Indeed, Liverpool's record at The Emirates is not impressive, having lost there three times in two years, and only recording one league victory back in 2011.
Lovren continued, "I'd say we're disappointed [not to have won]. Especially in the first half, we had so many chances. They also had some good chances.
"But I think we were defensively perfect and everyone did a great job. We need to continue like this and the goals will come."
"Defensively perfect" might be a touch dishonest from the Croatian international, but it certainly was a great performance, controversial offside call notwithstanding. Clean sheets away to Arsenal are a rare treat.
In his comments, Lovren hinted at the overall game plan, one that signals a new willingness by Rodgers to infuse some much-needed pragmatism into is footballing philosophy:
"The first thing for us was not to concede and then after that, to finish [chances].
"But in the end, it's a good point because we know it's tough here every time."
While it is still early in the season, Dejan Lovren may very well end up silencing his critics with more performances like we've seen so far. Caveats about officiating aside, it's hard to argue with the results so far.
