The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool vs: Arsenal, 12.21.14Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2014-12-21T20:40:47+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/71921982014-12-21T20:40:47+00:002014-12-21T20:40:47+00:00Liverpool 2, Arsenal 2: Late Goal Saves a Point
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-4_EOKJOw9hx1OXfc_9ceTzRO3A=/427x667:2442x2010/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44382440/460750242.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a match that saw the hosts dominant for long spells, it still took a goal late in injury time to save Brendan Rodgers' side a point after defensive lapses had thrown away their lead.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 2:</b> <i>Coutinho 45', Skrtel 90+6'</i><br><b>Arsenal 2:</b> <i>Debuchy 45+1', Giroud 64'</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even as the improvements continue--which they mostly did despite the result--Liverpool still find a way to frustrate, and today it nearly cost them all three points. A terrific first half that was capped with the goal they deserved just before the break washed away by more calamitous set-piece defending to gift Arsenal an equalizer. A solid second half display compromised by an aimless Hollywood ball that lets the visitors break, leading to further defensive mistakes and a one-goal deficit. And then, down to ten men and clearly tired, a set-piece goal of their own in the sixth minute of injury time to rescue a point. Of course.</p>
<p>On the whole Liverpool <i>are </i>looking better across their last three matches, at least in the sense that they've discovered an approach that makes them capable of dominating possession and getting themselves into the final third. What happens when they get there is still anyone's guess, as they're lacking a true finisher and don't appear to have enough confidence or ability to create and finish clear goalscoring chances.</p>
<p>Defensively they are more than capable of conceding them, however, as they allowed Arsenal goals on their first two shots of the match. Both goals are familiar to Liverpool supporters in the past year; the equalizer a result of failing to clear a set-piece delivery at the first time of asking, Arsenal's second a combination of Steven Gerrard's insistence on pinging 60-yard crossfield passes regardless of the consequences and a persistent lack of understanding how defending (and goalkeeping) is supposed to work.</p>
<p>It's all so very difficult in attack and frighteningly easy in defense, and while Rodgers' changes to the shape and personnel appear to have addressed both in some ways, the manager is still a ways off from finding a strategy that makes this Liverpool team consistently effective.</p>
<p>Those that featured today are mostly a mixed bag in terms of whether or not they can help in that regard, with a handful standing out. Lazar Markovic continues to improve and looks as though he can have a significant over the second half of the season, Mamadou Sakho was more assured in just his second appearance back from injury, Philippe Coutinho's uptick in form continues as part of his creative partnership with Adam Lallana, and Raheem Sterling, while clearly not capable of leading the line (at least not yet), was active and energetic for all 90-plus minutes.</p>
<p>They're going to need more than that in the coming weeks and months, however, and they'll need to address longstanding weaknesses in the process. Daniel Sturridge's return will help up front, Rodgers' insistence on playing Brad Jones ahead of Simon Mignolet will end at some point, and reinforcements could well be in the pipeline for January.</p>
<p>Regardless of who is fit or selected or bought, though, Liverpool need to see these improvements through. More positive sentiment over performances is a welcomed change, but the league table demands Liverpool start to gather points. Quickly.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css">
</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/21/7431089/liverpool-2-arsenal-2-skrtel-header-injury-time-defensive-errors-coutinho-goal-Ed-2014-12-21T18:36:02+00:002014-12-21T18:36:02+00:00Liverpool 2, Arsenal 2: Rank the Performances
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1rkoN4B4HeOXd9Ia3Dv5bmksZmg=/330x59:2040x1199/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44381864/460750154.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With a draw against Arsenal in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p>With expectation running high in advance of the match, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> put in a first half that should have ended with the club up 1-0 over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> thanks to a <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> goal. Unfortunately, Liverpool quickly conceded before the half, went down by a second goal midway through the second half, and it wasn't until a head bandaged Martin Skrtel refound his scoring form in extra time that Liverpool managed to claw back an equaliser. It wasn't necessarily the result many were hoping for, and improvements can still be made in several key areas, but it was a stronger performance than Liverpool have put out at any time in recent memory.</p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list-or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.</p>
<a class="rnkrw-widget" data-rnkrw-format="grid" data-rnkrw-id="1943477" data-rnkrw-rows="999" href="http://www.ranker.com/list-of/sports">Sports & Games Lists on Ranker</a><script id="rnkrw-loader" type="text/javascript" async src="//widget.ranker.com/static/rnkrw2.js"></script><script>var RNKRW = RNKRW || {};RNKRW.pref = {};</script>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/21/7430121/liverpool-2-arsenal-2-rank-the-performancesStitch Invader2014-12-21T18:06:16+00:002014-12-21T18:06:16+00:00Liverpool 2, Arsenal 2: First Thoughts
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y5sIXm998Z4nXPNIgcrGAc9ILT4=/0x90:3000x2090/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44381788/460749830.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Liverpool got the minimum they deserved after a late Martin Skrtel equaliser at Anfield.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> 2 </b><i>Coutinho 45', Skrtel 90+6', </i><br><b>Arsenal 2 </b><i>Debuchy 45+1', Giroud 64',</i></p>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>There was only one change from the victory in midweek as <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> replaced the injured <span>Dejan Lovren</span> as <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> persevered with the same formation used in the last two games. While victory was beyond Liverpool against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, many loyal Reds had seen a considerable improvement in creating chances in the final third. Defensively Liverpool would need to change the narrative to earn three points.<br><br> </li>
<li> In the opening half an hour, Liverpool enjoyed just over 70 percent possession, and were the better side in a match that wasn't the most exciting. Lazar Marković and <span>Jordan Henderson</span> showed plenty of enthusiasm and drive on the flanks. <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> was the outstanding player in the first half hour and that continued throughout until half time.<br><br> </li>
<li>There were two chances for Lazar Marković. Arsenal lost possession through <span>Olivier Giroud</span> on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> left, Henderson found Coutinho on the edge of the area, and Brazilian shuffled right to drive the ball low and across into the net off the post. The celebration was passionate and Liverpool deserved the lead. It was to last for moments as Arsenal equalised through a set piece. <span>Brad Jones</span> and Martin Skrtel were culpable for the goal, but there's always a player, always a lack of concentration, always a fundamental flaw in defensive organisation.<br><br> </li>
<li>That equaliser was too soft at such a crucial stage of the game and was bordering of disgraceful.<br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool continued to press at the start of the second half and had a number of chances before Arsenal took the lead against the run of play through Giroud. Arsenal did not enjoy many chances but took them.The defending for the goal wasn't the best once again, but it was a good move from the away side. <span>Santi Cazorla</span> worked his way to the byline and cut the ball back for the Frenchman who finished well to put Wenger's side ahead.<br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool continued to press for an equaliser and on the balance of the game, the home side should have taken at least a point from the game before Fabio Borini's late sending off for two bookable offences. Even with ten men, Liverpool were the better side and when Martin Skrtel scored from a corner in added on time, justice was done. <br><br> </li>
<li>With 9 minutes of extra time added, Liverpool had another couple of minutes of extra time to find a swashbuckling winner, but at least defeat was averted. Liverpool must improve the defence drastically as it's undermining a lot of progress made over the last few games. Liverpool have created a lot of chances against Manchester United and Arsenal over the past two games, but only have a point to show for it. </li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/21/7430271/liverpool-2-arsenal-2-match-recapCStars2014-12-21T14:00:03+00:002014-12-21T14:00:03+00:00Matchday: Liverpool vs. Arsenal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oyTVw_cCBQihaCXG7rmvhv6k_fA=/888x596:4178x2789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44379092/460202630.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Team sheets, television and streaming options, and live coverage as Liverpool go up against Arsenal at Anfield.</p> <p>A week after falling to Manchester United in the league, Liverpool look to build on their mid-week success in the League Cup as they get another chance to try to get their Premier League season on track. They face off against an Arsenal side who have gone through their own struggles this season, especially on the road, where Arsene Wenger’s side have lost three of their last six matches.</p>
<div class="pullquote" style="display: block; width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0.5em 0; font-size: 0.8em;">
<div align="center">The Match</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><strong>Full Preview:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/20/7426707/liverpool-vs-arsenal-preview-injury-update-team-news-television-schedule">Liverpool vs. Arsenal</a></p>
<p><strong>Kickoff:</strong> 4PM GMT/11AM EST from Anfield</p>
<p><strong>Television:</strong> Sky Sports 1 (UK); NBCSN (USA – English); Telemundo (USA – Spanish); Fox Sports 4 (Australia)</p>
<p><strong>Online:</strong> Sky Go (UK); NBC Sports Live Extra (USA)</p>
<p><strong>Full Listings:</strong> <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/" target="new">LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
<div class="pullquote" style="display: block; width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0.5em 0; font-size: 0.8em;">
<div align="center">Liverpool</div>
</div>
</div>
<p align="center">Jones<br>Toure Skrtel Sakho<br>Henderson Lucas Gerrard Markovic<br>Lallana Coutinho<br>Sterling</p>
<p>Bench: Mignolet, Enrique, Lambert, Moreno, Manquillo, Can, Borini</p>
<div class="pullquote" style="display: block; width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0.5em 0; font-size: 0.8em;">
<div align="center">Arsenal</div>
</div>
</div>
<p align="center">Szczesny<br>Debuchy Mertesacker Chambers Gibbs<br>Alexis Flamini Oxlade-Chamberlain Cazorla<br>Giroud Welbeck</p>
<p>Bench: Martinez, Monreal, Coquelin, Maitland-Niles, Campbell, Walcott, Podolski</p>
<div class="pullquote" style="display: block; width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0.5em 0; font-size: 0.8em;">
<div align="center">Join the Conversation</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>If you haven’t already, sign up for an SBNation account and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/21/7425461/liverpool-arsenal-2014-epl-time-tv-schedule-live-online-streamingNoel Chomyn2014-12-21T03:00:02+00:002014-12-21T03:00:02+00:00Pre-Arsenal Overnight Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="WHY U NO SCORE GOALS ANYMORE, MARTIN???" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Qvr3tX-Vo_pxPZNM5xCQ-3T1Bc=/1004x147:2724x1294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44375540/467805277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>WHY U NO SCORE GOALS ANYMORE, MARTIN??? | Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield.</p> <p>1) Will Brendan Rodgers experiment with three at the back again, and if so which three defenders will it be?</p>
<p>2) Do we see midfield that features both <span>Steven Gerrard</span> and <span>Lucas Leiva</span>?</p>
<p>3) Which players shorter than 5'8" get the start and which make appearances from the bench?</p>
<p>4) Will Adam Lallana play a full 90 minutes?</p>
<p>5) Final score?</p>
<p>Bonus: I just found these gifs in an old overnight thread. What is the name of the band fronted by Arsene Wenger when he's not spending time on the touchline? </p>
<p><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/b8kdol.jpg"></p>
<p><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/i53cpd.gif" width="319px"></p>
<p>(Immediate disqualification for anyone who includes the word "Boys" in the name.)</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/21/7425685/pre-arsenal-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2014-12-20T15:00:02+00:002014-12-20T15:00:02+00:00Preview: Liverpool v. Arsenal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bWs1Jh7NtMlKLRWEVt9sT-MRm2A=/0x142:3000x2142/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44377084/460426558.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Paul Gilham/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Injury updates, television listings, and more as Brendan Rodgers' side look to get back on track in the Premier League against Arsenal.</p> <p>December has traditionally been a difficult month for Liverpool, and they have managed to follow suit this year with a string of underwhelming performances. They started to turn a corner of sorts at Old Trafford, however, with more fluid and threatening attacking display (that produced zero goals, but still, silver linings) as part of a new formation from <span>Brendan Rodgers</span>. The tinkering continued in the League Cup on Wednesday night in a fixture that many expected Liverpool to lose, but Rodgers' new-look side emerged 3-1 winners after an excellent first-half display.</p>
<p>And now they'll look to continue whatever sort of progress it is they're making against Arsene Wenger's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> squad, who were comfortable winners last weekend against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a>. Their season hasn't been much better than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> domestically, with a number of underwhelming performances littered throughout the fall. Despite that, they're poised to make another strong challenge at the top four, and will expect to be in the running for Champions League football yet again come May.</p>
<p>They'll have to get more players healthy, though, as Wenger is dealing with a number of high-profile absences. <span>Aaron Ramsey</span>, <span>Mikel Arteta</span>, Tomas Rosicky, and <span>Laurent Koscielny</span> aren't expected back until the new year, with <span>Jack Wilshere</span> and Mesut Ozil expected back further into 2015. <span>Theo Walcott</span>, <span>Nacho Monreal</span>, and <span>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain</span> could make the squad tomorrow, however, joining an eleven that will be led by Alexis Sanchez, <span>Olivier Giroud</span>, <span>Danny Welbeck</span>, and <span>Santi Cazorla</span> going forward. <span>Mathieu Flamini</span> will likely start in the midfield, and at the back against Newcastle, Wenger selected Hector Bellerin at right-back, <span>Per Mertesacker</span> and <span>Mathieu Debuchy</span> central, with <span>Kieran Gibbs</span> at left-back and <span>Wojciech Szczesny</span> in goal.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Jones<br>Toure Skrtel Sakho<br>Henderson Gerrard Lucas Markovic<br>Lallana Sterling Coutinho</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Back to a fair few names on the injury list, with <span>Joe Allen</span> reportedly ruled out and <span>Dejan Lovren</span> not likely to recover in time from a groin injury. <span>Glen Johnson</span> is out with <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>, while Suso and <span>Jon Flanagan</span> are still a ways off. <span>Mario Balotelli</span> will be in the stands after accepting the FA's one-match ban.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Rodgers appears set to continue with the formation and personnel that brought him more attacking success over the past two matches, with three at the back and a number of pacy, creative players involved in some capacity. For all their defensive frailties Liverpool have looked more dangerous going forward against both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> and Bournemouth, and while Arsenal are a different prospect than both, Rodgers could go with what he knows--or at least thinks he knows--best.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That will mean <span>Adam Lallana</span>, <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> up top, with the recently-named Golden Boy continuing to operate in a striker's role. He was more assured midweek but still fluffed a chance or two, and he'll have to make the most of any chances here if Liverpool are going to get the result. Lallana has been Liverpool's best this week and for most of the season and should be a nailed-on starter indefinitely, while Coutinho looked dangerous in spurts on Wednesday after a mixed bag against United.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It will be interesting to see if Lazar Markovic gets another start; Alberto Moreno would be the obvious choice to replace him, but with the young Serbian impressing over the course of his last three or four appearances, there's little reason to keep him out, even if it's in an unfamiliar role. Again, Arsenal will be far better at exploiting space on the wings than Bournemouth, who still did it with frightening regularity, but Rodgers will hope Markovic is up to the task on the left with <span>Jordan Henderson</span> expected to start on the right. Lucas and <span>Steven Gerrard</span> are likely to start in the middle.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">At the back there should be a start for <span>Mamadou Sakho</span>, and he'll join Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure across a three-man back line. <span>Brad Jones</span> is expected to start in goal, with <span>Simon Mignolet</span> benched for the third straight match. Few others available in a defensive contingent limited by injury, poor form, and manager's preference.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kickoff is set for 4:00PM GMT/11:00AM EST on Sunday, with Sky Sport 1 providing coverage in the UK and NBCSN/NBC Sports Live Extra carrying the match in the United States. Our coverage will continue with the overnight open thread tonight and carry into live coverage, team sheets an hour before kickoff, and post-match reaction. If you haven't already, sign up for an SBNation account and join us for it.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css">
</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/20/7426707/liverpool-vs-arsenal-preview-injury-update-team-news-television-schedule-Ed-