Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Tactical Phases, Havertz’s Role, and Slot’s Halftime Adjustment That Secured a Draw

Arsenal's 2-2 stalemate with Liverpool showcased a tactical battle that split the match into distinct phases, with Arteta's side asserting dominance in the first half, ending with a 2-1 lead.

Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino found the net around Virgil van Dijk's goal. Arne Slot's tactical acumen turned the tide in the second half, leading to Mo Salah's late equalizer and a share of the spoils. SunSport's Dean Scoggins dissects the tactics and strategies from the Emirates in the latest Tactics Exposed episode... 1. ARTETA OUTMANEUVERS SLOT'S DEFENSE Arteta's strategy was to maximize the pitch's dimensions, catching Liverpool off guard given their renowned ground coverage. With Thomas Partey dropping deep, Rice and Merino had vast areas to cover, yet Arteta trusted them to do so effectively. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS The intriguing aspect was the deployment of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, eschewing traditional striker roles. Liverpool's defense, including Konate and Van Dijk, were perplexed by Havertz's right-sided drift, creating a doubling effect with Saka. Trossard's movement to Martinelli's area led to full-backs Partey and Timber pushing high, with the faux strikers in a line, exploiting space behind Liverpool's backline. This caused midfield disorientation for Liverpool, with Mac Allister, Jones, and Gravenberch struggling to adjust. 2. HAVERTZ'S SUBTLE CONTRIBUTION TO SAKA'S GOAL Havertz's rightward movement induced Liverpool to commit forward, creating space behind for Saka to exploit. His positioning confused Liverpool's marking, leading to a well-executed plan with Ben White's pinpoint pass and Saka's exceptional finish. Havertz's tactical flexibility, as demonstrated for Germany, was a key feature of Arsenal's approach. 3. LIVERPOOL'S SET-PIECE SURPRISES Mac Allister and Diaz outfoxed Arsenal, typically adept at set-pieces, with Diaz's run and Mac Allister's hold on White creating chaos. Liverpool's variations on set-pieces, including Van Dijk's flicks, showcased their preparation and effectiveness. 4. 'MIND THE GAPS' SET-PIECE EXECUTION Arsenal's offside positioning shifted to onside as Rice's delivery created collisions and chaos, catching Liverpool off guard. Liverpool's failure to adjust allowed Arsenal to capitalize, with Merino scoring amidst the confusion. 5. SLOT'S MIDFIELD ADJUSTMENT TO SECURE A DRAW Slot's halftime reorganization and Szoboszlai's introduction provided Liverpool with a much-needed boost, with Trent Alexander-Arnold dominating midfield. Liverpool's dominance post-adjustment was palpable, with Szoboszlai's understanding