Arsenal: Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Nelson, Havertz, Kiwior, Jorginho, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Ramsdale, and Havertz
Subs: Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Trossard, Martinell, Raya, Cedric, Walters, Sousa, Nwaneri
Following a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at the Emirates this afternoon, Arsenal’s FA Cup ambitions were dashed at the first hurdle.
In an attempt to make up for Gabriel Jesus’ injury, Mikel Arteta started Kai Havertz up forward. Reiss Nelson and Jorginho were also introduced to the starting lineup. The team fell to Fulham last weekend.
Nelson received a wonderful pass from Aaron Rasmdale over the top of the Liverpool defence, giving the Gunners a strong early opportunity. He had a one-on-one opportunity to lob it over the keeper, but he attempted to run around and shot into the side netting since the angle was too tight.
Nelson was next set up by Odegaard, but his attempt was blocked for a corner. Havertz then tried a long-range drive from Alisson, but the custodian was equal to it. Arsenal had additional chances to test the Liverpool defenders due to defensive incompetence, but Odegaard’s strike beat them all by smashing off the bar and into safety.
After a frantic beginning, both teams had periods of possession without creating many opportunities as the game somewhat cooled down. Nunez missed a corner kick, Saka’s shot was easily stopped by Alisson, and Odegaard again created a chance for Havertz, who had to make a mistake but was squeezed out after a few hands by Rice.
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