Why Jurgen Klopp changed Trent Alexander-Arnold's role against Arsenal
Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold's role as an inverted full-back, most famously executed by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, was intended to give Liverpool a ‘double six’ when in possession against Arsenal.
Alexander-Arnold has long been known for his ability on the ball and was often seen pushing into the centre of midfield for the visit of Arsenal instead of holding his usual wide position.
Klopp explained that it gave Liverpool ‘different opportunities’ in the game that eventually finished 2-2 thanks to a late Roberto Firmino equaliser. The Reds might even have taken more from the game but for Mohamed Salah penalty miss and top saves from Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
“It’s not the first time. We did that before but maybe it was not that obvious,” Klopp said of Alexander-Arnold’s position on the pitch.
“In the build-up, Trent played more inside. Double six, that’s how it is. We need to get used to it, obviously. I would say it is a big step to do that in a game against Arsenal.
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“It opened up different opportunities for us. If you watch it back you will see that it will have to be learned when to use it. Hendo was not wide, stayed inside. Then we could really pass first pass down to Mo. Mo kept the ball really well and we could go from there.
“I thought he did well. It was not the first time, but we haven’t executed it for a while.”
Reflecting on Liverpool’s comeback, which started after Arsenal gone 2-0 up, Alisson spoke about the importance of being able to repeat the second half performance in games still to come.
“Scoring the first goal was the start of everything,” the Brazilian told the club’s official website.
“When we scored, the crowd came together as well and helped the team and pushed the team – everybody knows how Anfield is when the crowd is playing together with you. They show a reaction on what we do on the pitch, so we have to do more of that, we have to show more desire every game – as we did in the second half – consistently.”
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