Liverpool lost 1-0 in the Premier League for the ninth time this season. That statistic can be countered by the fact that they came back to win five of the previous five, draw two and lose just once. But it is still worrying.
This slow start could cost Liverpool a lot of money as they haven't really played their best at the start of a few other games either. Arsenal punished Liverpool's early sloppiness here, as they had a decent chance in the first minute and took the lead after four minutes.
It's a contrast to England's first great Jurgen Klopp team, which often made electric starts to games. It's not a problem as they often turn into games, but there is a feeling that it could cost Liverpool dearly these days if an opponent were more clinical in front of goal.
Jesus the master of control
With just four league goals this season, it's easy to become quite frustrated with Gabriel Jesus' profligacy in the penalty area. But he showed his all-round qualities here, especially in the first half as Arsenal tried to dampen the atmosphere at Anfield.
Liverpool got off to another slow start after Gabriel headed home within the opening minutes
Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus showed his all-round qualities during the exciting encounter
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He held the ball well, was a constant outlet and offered good hold-up play. On a number of occasions it looked like the Brazilian was about to lose possession, but he was somehow able to save himself with his quick, precise control.
It is a useful asset for any manager, especially in these tight away games in difficult stadiums. As Arsenal looked to kill Liverpool's threat, Jesus allowed Mikel Arteta's men to retain possession and take control of the match.
Sadly that disappeared in the second half as Liverpool grew into the game, but Jesus highlighted why he is so highly rated by Arteta, not losing the fact that Pep Guardiola also often turns to the Brazilian for big games.
Are Liverpool better or worse without Nunez?
It's one of life's big questions: is Liverpool better or worse without Darwin Nunez? Is the Uruguayan striker crucial to the way this team plays – or do they function better with the calmer option of Cody Gakpo in charge?
At times in the first half it felt like Liverpool looked like a more cohesive unit, with Gakpo dropping deep and playing some nice, one-touch stuff in tight spaces. But then you got the feeling that they were really missing the forward-thinking and surprise factor that Nunez brings.
He had some nice moments after being substituted midway through the second half, playing on the left flank but unable to find the decisive goal that could have turned this match in his team's favor.
It means Nunez is now 12 games dry for Liverpool – having scored for Uruguay in that time – and he goes into Boxing Day hoping to make it a lucky 13 at Burnley. With changes likely necessary given the fatigue, Nunez should get a chance at Turf Moor.
Overall, let's conclude that there are times when the Reds may need control of Gakpo. But if they want to win this Premier League title, Nunez's unorthodox character could be the weapon that gets them over the line.
Did Klopp get his wish with the atmosphere?
“Jurgen is right, your fans are s****,” the Arsenal fans sang as the atmosphere at Anfield became somewhat flat towards the end of the match. Were they right, or did Klopp get his wish to improve the sound here?
Overall, this was probably the best atmosphere for a Premier League match at times this season, as Liverpool fans cheered their team on to score a winner. It was slightly disappointing to see so many supporters leave early, but they all have their reasons.
Klopp's men taking on challenges and pressing at high intensity sometimes contributed to a noisy crowd and so let's conclude that the manager got his wish. There is still work to be done, but that will improve as the team starts winning this title race.
Darwin Nunez's place in the Liverpool squad remains a controversial topic for the Reds
It's King Konate as the French defender thrives
THIS was Ibrahima Konate's best game of the season, with the Frenchman recovering from an early mistake to win the free-kick that led to Arsenal's goal, for which he also lost his marker.
But after that moment, Konate didn't put a foot wrong. He commands Arsenal's forwards and bullies them with muscular challenges. He played some crisp, penetrating passes and was also positionally aware.
With Joel Matip ruled out for the season, this could be the year Konate finally stakes his claim and proves why so many are tipping him for a future at the top level. It's no surprise that Konate is a regular for the star-studded France squad. If he stays fit, the future looks promising.