The Anfield Wrap Revisiting Arsenal, Plus Brighton v Man City: The Trends
Sep 10, 2025
Dive into a detailed analysis of Liverpool's clash with Arsenal, uncovering key statistical insights like expected goals. Discover how Arsenal's cautious tactics shaped the game and the adjustments Liverpool made in the second half. The discussion also highlights Brighton's surprise win over Manchester City, exploring player performances and tactical shifts. With a humorous tone, the podcast dissects shooting dynamics and effective managerial strategies, revealing how substitutions can shift the course of a match.
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Low-Event Game Masks Big Looking Charts
- The Liverpool vs Arsenal race charts looked dramatic but the match was very low-event with xG values under 0.5 each side.
- Small differences (corners, headers) drove visible jumps without implying a high-quality game.
Napoli Took Goal Kicks Backwards
- Neil recalls Napoli taking goal kicks backwards to avoid Liverpool's press in a bruising European tie.
- Opponents used extreme caution by playing backwards to the goalkeeper's nearest defender to evade pressing traps.
Arsenal's Deep Spare Man Strategy
- Arsenal sat an extra man between their centre-backs to be press-resistant, which limited Liverpool early on.
- Liverpool changed at half-time and began taking gambles that improved their attacking positions in the second half.