Five things we learned from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League with nine games completed, seven wins and one draw and a loss each. Twenty-two of the possible twenty-seven possible points have been won despite difficult away fixtures such as trips to Old Trafford and the Emirates, and getting four of the maximum six points from this game is a great result.

Last season, the Reds traveled to North London under similar circumstances and faced off-pitch Arsenal with their Premier League title aspirations. This game looked different as the Gunners experienced what they called “trauma crisis” but only two players are missing, and yet ”completely suitable” Liverpool were missing the same number of starting players as the London team.

Here’s what we learned from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal:

Virgil van Dijk is not slowing down

While many would call Ibrahima Konate man of the match, and deservedly so, Van Dijk puts in a world-class performance every game and it goes unnoticed because, well, that’s what’s expected of him. World class is par for the course for Virgil, which is staggering considering most centre-backs would trade their left foot for half the level Big Virg produces every week. If you look up the definition of “Suffering from Success” you will find a picture of Virgil van Dijk.

Ryan Gravenberch could sooner or later become the best midfielder in the world.

Like Virgil, Ryan played in a way we never thought possible. Yes, we knew he had the potential to explode last season as we saw glimpses of his abilities. But never in our wildest dreams could we have predicted that Gravenberch would be in contention for the Player of the Year award in a position that we have been shouting about to strengthen the last number of transfer windows. You have to think, would we have seen this appearance if we had secured the signing of Martin Zubimendi? Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.

Father Time is knocking on Andrew Robertson’s door

We all love Robbo and he remains one of the best defenders in the Premier League. But Father Time is invincible against all opponents. Upon examination and analysis, it appears that Robertson is not best suited for such a system, which is a shame as the Scot bleeds for this club. Under Jurgen Klopp, the system and style played into Andy’s favor. His ability to constantly control the flank throughout the game and press like a monster was invaluable. Likewise, Trent has suffered from this system as he doesn’t have the stamina or drive to do it for 90 minutes twice a week for an entire season.

However, in this new system the situation has changed: the slower, more methodical, possession-based system suits Trent much better than Robbo, and this becomes obvious as the games progress. We expect Liverpool to be in the market for a left-back in the coming windows, with Andy Robertson gradually moving on over time.

Trent and Salah are here to “moments” games, regardless of their full functionality

Both weren’t having great games, Trent wasn’t happy with his passing, neither was Salah, and it just didn’t work at all.

But in games like this you have a few chances to exploit, especially if the team is playing in a low block like Arsenal. Since these chances are so few and far between, you need to make sure to take advantage of them. In moments like these, players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are especially important. Trent was involved in both goals, his corner for Virgil to head home and his weighty overhead pass for Darwin to run up and assist Mo in the final ten minutes of the game.

It’s moments like these that you have these players for.

Darwin Nunez is evolving: it is no longer uncontrollable chaos, but a purposeful and controlled process.

There were calls to move on from Darwin last season, and even more so this summer due to a change in style and comments about Nunez’s intelligence to play the position Arne Slote would demand of him. At first, these reservations showed real, sloppy play, getting caught offside and not starting most games. It seemed like the writing was on the wall for Darwin.

Then, after a break from the national team and an unfortunate injury to Diogo Jota, Darwin got his chance. Press like a monster and help Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last three starts. As well as scoring against RB Leipzig, much to the chagrin of Mohamed Salah, he then repaid it with a perfectly timed run and assist to equalize against Arsenal at the weekend.

Darwin Nunes is evolving and he’s holding back the chaos to control it, and that’s going to be scary as he develops further this season.