BBC pundit says one Liverpool player was even better than ‘outstanding’ Ibrahima Konate against Arsenal
Dion Dublin has suggested that Ibrahima Konate was outstanding for Liverpool in their win over Arsenal in the FA Cup, but added that one of the centre-back’s teammates was even better.
Jurgen Klopp’s men booked their place in the fourth round of the competition. The Reds rode their luck during the first-half at the Emirates, with the Gunners really struggling in front of goal.
It was Trent Alexander-Arnold who provided the first moment of serious quality in front of goal. It was his free-kick during the second-half which was diverted into the Arsenal net by Jakub Kiwior.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate praised after Liverpool win
Alexander-Arnold’s passing was superb all night. But he also played his part in Liverpool keeping a clean sheet.
And speaking on The FA Cup, Dion Dublin suggested he was so impressed by the right-back, as well as Ibrahima Konate alongside him, particularly when Arsenal were denied by blocks from both players during one move in the first-half.
“Sometimes when you’re in a situation when you’ve got a few injuries, you need the seniors to step up and take charge of a situation. Konate was outstanding. And Trent was even better,” he said.
“One doing one thing, one doing the other. Started off on the back foot really, but when you need to make those tackles, Konate did it all day today. Arsenal should have really scored there, had lots of chances during the game. But Trent doing it that time, just clearing it, doing the defensive duties on this occasion.
“It’s the way he receives the ball and the way he wants to get up the pitch, the positivity; showing a bit of pace and power there. And then he assesses the situation, and then he plays the pass for his teammate as well.”
Reds step up without their two star players
Liverpool were dealt a big blow ahead of the tie. Virgil van Dijk has been back to something like his best so far this season. So Arsenal would have been optimistic upon hearing that he would miss the game.
But Konate has been superb for Liverpool lately.
And Alexander-Arnold is already into double figures for goal involvements in all competitions so far this season. He got his ninth assist of the campaign for Kiwior’s own goal at the Emirates.
Liverpool will be aware that they were fortunate to not concede during the game. But they have now kept two clean sheets in their last three games. And they have avoided defeat in both of their fixtures against Arsenal this season.
They are certainly becoming a real force again at a rapid rate.
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Alan Shearer names the Arsenal player who has been ‘magnificent’ all season
The Newcastle United legend has been hugely impressed by how Saliba has played for Arsenal this season.
So, what has Alan Shearer said about William Saliba? Let’s take a look.
Alan Shearer praises Arsenal and France defender William Saliba
Well, Arsenal took on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday evening.
Liverpool won the match 2-0. I believe that Jurgen Klopp’s side deservedly won the tie.
Willia Saliba has been a regular for Arsenal this season and has been one of the best players for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The £27 million (Sky Sports) France international defender started in central defence for Arsenal against Liverpool.
While Saliba did give the ball away twice quite cheaply, he made a really great tackle to stop Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez in the box.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was on co-commentary duty for the match on BBC One, and he noted midway through the first half just how good Saliba has been all season for Arsenal.
Shearer said about Saliba on BBC One (4:54 pm, January 7, 2024): “What a season he is having, Saliba, eh! He has been brilliant, he has. He has been magnificent, he has.”
My View: William Saliba could become world class
In my view, William Saliba has huge potential. I believe that the Arsenal and France international central defender could become world class in the coming years. Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker thinks that he is “very graceful” and is “really good on the ball”.
Saliba is only 22 and he is already playing week in and week out for an Arsenal side who almost won the Premier League title last season and could clinch it this time around.
The young centre-back has scored one goal and given one assist in 20 Premier League matches this season. Last season, Saliba scored two goals and provided one assist in 27 league games for the North London club.
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20-YEAR-OLD LIVERPOOL TALENT HAILED AFTER HIS DISPLAY AGAINST ARSENAL ON SUNDAY
The Reds headed down to North London in search of a passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Liverpool had to withstand major Arsenal pressure but somehow managed to escape going a goal down in the first half.
Jurgen Klopp’s men then provided the sucker punch as Jakub Kiwior headed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick into his own net.
Luis Diaz sealed the win for Liverpool, smashing high into the net to send the Reds through and leave Arsenal with a third defeat in a row in all competitions.
Jarell Quansah praised after Liverpool win
Klopp will be delighted to be through to the next round, but especially having been without defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman was out through illness, leaving Liverpool without their star defensive leader.
That meant 20-year-old Jarell Quansah came in to partner Ibrahima Konate at the back and they were bombarded by the Arsenal attack early on.
Quansah and Konate stood strong to eventually claim a clean sheet and help Liverpool through a difficult FA Cup tie.
Quansah took to Instagram to celebrate a ‘big win’ with teammates responding by praising the centre back.
Van Dijk himself was impressed, responding with a flame emo whilst goalscorer Diaz applauded Quansah for his display.
Reds youngster James Balagizi called Quansah ‘unreal’ whilst Harvey Elliott branded him a ‘gazelle’.
Luke Chambers hailed Quansah as ‘unplayable’ with Conor Bradley, Ben Doak, Cody Gakpo, Bobby Clark, Calum Scanlon and Ryan Gravenberch joining in.
Quansah spent the second half of last season on loan at Bristol Rovers but is now shining for the Liverpool first team – and the sky seems to be the limit for him.
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