David Lynch’s 5 Key Takeaways from Liverpool’s 0-0 Draw with Arsenal | OneFootball

Grit Over Glamour: Why Liverpool’s Point at Arsenal Matters

In a contest billed as a potential hammering, Liverpool emerged from the Emirates Stadium with something far more valuable than anticipated: belief. A goalless draw may seem uninspired on paper, especially for a side of Liverpool’s heritage, but context sharpens perspective. This was Arsenal, “Premier League champions elect” as David Lynch put it, and this was a Liverpool team grappling with absences and inconsistencies.

“Now, I did not see that coming,” admitted Lynch, opening his post-match podcast with refreshing candour. “I don’t think there was a lot of confidence in the Liverpool camp…” And who could blame them? Arsenal had the home advantage, top-of-the-table stature and a well-oiled system. Liverpool were missing key forwards, including Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.

Defensive Excellence from an Unlikely Hero

One of the defining themes of Lynch’s analysis was Liverpool’s defensive resilience, headlined by Milos Kerkez. If there were doubts about his readiness, they were emphatically silenced.

“I thought Kerkez was absolutely fantastic… did not put a foot wrong defensively,” Lynch noted. In fact, the statistics told the story too. “Six out of nine duels won, four out of four tackles… against Saka… and then Madaweke, probably the best like-for-like replacement in the league.” That level of authority at left-back, against one of the most dangerous flanks in the Premier League, reflects not just discipline, but growing maturity.

Photo: IMAGO

Lynch even questioned the frequent critique of Kerkez. “Why are there so many people who want to suggest this is a bad signing?” While acknowledging his limitations in deep build-up play, Lynch was unequivocal in praise: “He’s one of the best left-backs in the league.”

Gravenberch and Mac Allister Anchor the Midfield Battle

Against a midfield trio of Ødegaard, Rice and Zubimendi, Liverpool needed more than organisation—they needed presence. Ryan Gravenberch provided it. “Best midfielder on the park for me,” Lynch declared. With “six out of nine duels won, not dribbled past once,” and “nine passes into the final third,” his all-action display gave Liverpool control during key spells.

Alexis Mac Allister’s inclusion raised eyebrows before kick-off, but by full-time Lynch had reversed his view. “I thought it should have been Curtis Jones… but Mac Allister was just quietly good.” Describing his play as “little clever drives into space” and “smart and sometimes safe in possession,” Lynch suggested this could be a turning point in an otherwise underwhelming season for the Argentine.

Attacking Frailty Remains a Concern

Despite all the positives, Liverpool’s attack flattered to deceive. “Zero shots on target… 0.36 xG… not particularly impressive,” Lynch admitted. But crucially, he contextualised it. With Salah at AFCON, Isak injured, and no Hugo Ekitiké, the front line was blunt.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, even amidst this, there were flashes. “They still hit the bar,” Lynch pointed out, while praising Jeremy Frimpong’s energy, albeit not his execution: “Zero out of six crosses completed… if he completes maybe one of those, Liverpool probably win the game.”

Florian Wirtz also earned praise for a tough shift. “Not a perfect performance… but given that thankless task, I think he deserves praise.”

Holding Firm and Moving Forward

It is easy to scoff at a 0-0 draw when viewed through a results-only lens, but Lynch urged caution against such simplicity. “I know people will say a nil-nil where you don’t take a shot on target, how low have expectations got? But I do think you have to be a little bit realistic about this.”

“This is not a great Liverpool team at the moment, for a multitude of reasons.” And in that sense, the point—away at Arsenal—may carry more than just numbers. It may carry belief. It keeps them in the top four and extends an unbeaten run to ten.

“If Liverpool are going to play great football between now and the end of the season, it’s probably going to come about slowly,” said Lynch. On this evidence, they’ve at least got a foundation to build from.