Liverpool is very solid but lacks breakthrough
Liverpool has not yet had any victories in 2026 and once again against Arsenal, Arne Slot's team did not create convincing attacking momentum, only reaching xG 0.36.
The ineffectiveness on the attacking front has been revealed in recent matches and is certainly an issue that needs to be improved in the coming months. However, Liverpool can expect a positive impact when Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah are about to return.
In the opposite direction, Liverpool's biggest bright spot lies in the defensive structure. They pulled Arsenal's xG index down to only 0.57, and at the same time helped Alisson rarely have to make decisive saves.
After conceding 10 goals in 3 matches in November, Slot has significantly strengthened his defense system. And his performance against Arsenal can be seen as a remarkable defensive measure for the upcoming journey.
In the coming weeks, Slot's core challenge will be to find the optimal balance between attacking ability and defensive certainty. This is the most difficult problem, but also a prerequisite for Liverpool to stabilize the results.
Liverpool shows they need to strengthen their forces
The quality gap between Arsenal and Liverpool at the present time has been clearly revealed, even before the ball rolled at Emirates.
While the home team possesses a talented squad, including summer rookies like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Liverpool's most experienced attacking player is Federico Chiesa - who has only played 228 minutes in the Premier League this season.
It must be admitted that the injury is causing significant disadvantages for Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike did not recover in time to participate, while Mohamed Salah will only return after the African Cup at the end of this month.
However, in the context that the record signing of English football Alexander Isak is expected to be out for a few months due to a fractured tibia and ankle, and center-back Giovanni Leoni is absent until next season, The Kop clearly needs to be strengthened in both lines.
Despite spending heavily in the summer, the reigning champion still shows a lack of squad depth compared to opponents in the Premier League. And that problem is further exaggerated when right-back Conor Bradley had to leave the field on a stretcher in injury time. A few new players this month may become the necessary medicine to pull their stalled campaign back into orbit.
Arne Slot is gradually restoring faith
When Liverpool defeated Arsenal at Anfield at the end of August, that victory made an important contribution to Slot being voted the best coach of the month in the Premier League.
However, in the recent draw, Slot entered the match in a completely different context. Fans' frustration increased after a series of lifeless performances. Liverpool did not leave Emirates with a victory, but their way of performing was still enough to significantly improve Slot's position in the eyes of fans.
Before the match kicked off, very few people believed that the reigning champion could win points against the team that is showing the ability to "take the throne" this season. However, Liverpool's determination and real quality against Arsenal promptly reminded them that they are still formidable opponents to any team, if they reach the peak of their form.
Of course, Slot still has a lot to do to restore the fire and confidence that brought Liverpool to the throne last season. However, the positive sign is that the dressing room is still united, and the necessary foundations for success seem to be still intact.
We showed the qualities to come here and win. In the first half, Arsenal played more dominantly in our half. They created many crosses, although they did not really convert them into too many dangerous opportunities.
The only thing we are missing, and this is not the first time, is the decisive moments in the penalty area" - Slot said after the match.
