Liverpool defender Joe Gomez highlighted the struggles of adapting to the left-back role despite dominating Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez explained the challenge of adapting to the left-back role despite keeping Arsenal star Bukayo Saka quiet. The Reds beat Arsenal 0-2 at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round, showing incredible defensive prowess despite injury struggles.
The Gunners started the game as a better team with numerous attacks but Liverpool managed to defend well. During the second half, tactical changes from the Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp helped the visitors take control of the game.
Liverpool scored two late goals while completely nullifying Arsenal’s attack on their home turf, keeping the clean sheet. The Reds’ defence played without their captain Virgil van Dijk as they reduced Arsenal to only five shots on target. The Gunners registered zero shots on target during the second half when Liverpool dominated the game.
Gomez kept his make-shift left-back role after the injury crisis in the left-back department left Liverpool without any specialist. Serious injuries sideline both specialist left-backs, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
Liverpool recalled Owen Beck from Dundee United but the young left-back missed the FA Cup fixture due to a suspension. Gomez has given fantastic performances in the left-back role and continued to show his versatility despite the adversities he faced.
Gomez told reporter (h/t Independent) that he had to adapt to the left-back role while keeping Saka silent. He said:
“He’s a top player, a direct winger. It’s not often the case these days but he’s one that will stay wide to pick up the ball and drive at you. It was tough. I knew it was going to be having played him so recently but yeah, great team performance, we all dug deep. It’s different at left-back! It’s been a challenge to adapt. Small, minor differences that maybe aren’t noted, maybe how you receive the ball and so on.”
Ain't nobody, like Joe Gomez pic.twitter.com/SijbFbWPY8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 2, 2024
Saka had zero out of three successful dribbles during the game as he went head-to-head against Gomez. Gomez kept Saka quiet during the 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield on 23rd December.
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The 26-year-old has been in fantastic form this season despite playing as a left-back, a right-back and a centre-back. Gomez is an important asset for the Reds as he continues to live up to the potential he displayed when Liverpool signed him as a teenager.
