10 months ago
129 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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