Owen and Wright in full agreement on Liverpool star who let them down vs Arsenal
Michael Owen and Ian Wright believe that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is chiefly to blame for the error that allowed Gabriel Martinelli to score in Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal.
The Gunners prevailed 3-1 at the Emirates to close the gap to the league-leaders to just two points. Mikel Arteta's side first went ahead through Bukayo Saka before some calamitous defending saw Gabriel turn the ball into his own net to bring the scores all square at half-time.
It was another error that played a pivotal role in the match and allowed Martinelli to capitalise and restore Arsenal's lead, however. The Brazilian winger was able to nudge Van Dijk as he looked to watch the ball through and sent the Dutchman into Alisson's path.
The Reds' shot-stopper hesitated and pulled out of clearing the ball away. That saw the ball bundle through the Liverpool duo for Martinelli to easily finish.
Former Liverpool forward Owen believes both players could take a share of the blame. However, it is Alisson who saw Jurgen Klopp's side lose control of the situation.
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“It shouldn’t happen, it’s definitely a mistake,” said Owen. “I thought it was Alisson’s fault. If I had to pick a player. Listen, you can blame both of them in many ways. I think, potentially, Virgil van Dijk could head this one. He could head it and he lets it bounce.
“After that, he is in total control if Alisson stays on his line. He is in control. He is happy one-vs-one. Stronger and quicker. He’s goal side and absolutely in control, just don’t come out and leave him to it, then Alisson comes out and actually, half collides and none of them touch it – so, I think it’s more Alisson’s fault than Van Dijk’s.”
A defensive error from Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker of Liverpool lead to a Gabriel Martinelli goalEx-Arsenal forward Wright agrees that the moment Alisson came to claim the ball proved decisive. He also credits Martinelli for his role in the confusion.
Wright said: “If Alisson doesn’t come, then there is Gabriel Martinelli and there is no way he gets on that side of Virgil. No way he is getting on that side – but seeing Alisson there and getting the little nudge, it’s confused everything. He needed more communication from the goalkeeper.”
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