Liverpool Get Rid Of Arsenal In The FA Cup, Jurgen Klopp Is Satisfied With 'Replay'

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrated Liverpool's goal in the match against Arsenal in the FA Cup. (X/@LFC)

JAKARTA - Arsenal, one of the leading teams, had to be eliminated in the early stages of the FA Cup. Another favorite team, Liverpool, defeated Arsenal 2-0 in a duel at the Emirates Stadium, Sunday, January 7 evening WIB. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is satisfied because he doesn't need to play.

The Arsenal vs Liverpool duel became the only big match in the third round of the FA Cup. The seed team had already met immediately and one had to be eliminated.

Liverpool are actually less seeded despite showing consistency in the English Premier League competition so they can perch at the top of the standings.

The reason is that the Reds squad is incomplete due to the loss of Mohamed Salah. The star strengthened Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In addition, midfielder Wataru Endo fulfilled the call of the Japanese national team competing in the Asian Cup.

The removal, captain Virgil van Dijk suffered an injury just moments before competing. Klopp was forced to overhaul the back sector by lowering Jarell Quansah to a duet with Ibrahima Konate.

Meanwhile, in the front sector, Liverpool has lost Dominik Szoboszlai who has a hamstring injury.

Despite appearing not at full strength, Liverpool are still quite tough against Arsenal. They were even able to overcome the Gunners attack.

Arsenal did master the game. But the weak finish ultimately made the hosts unable to score.

Unmitigated, they fired 48 shots into the net but none were on target. Moreover, goalkeeper Alisson Becker showed his best form and several times thwarted Arsenal's chances.

On the other hand, Liverpool's efficient and effective game gave positive results while bringing the Merseyside club qualified for the fourth round of the Cup by eliminating Arsenal.

Jakub Kiwior's own goal in the 80th minute started Liverpool's victory. Furthermore, Luis Diaz solidified The Kop's victory in injury time.

"I'm really proud. This is a super difficult match. It could be the most difficult game we've ever faced," Klopp said in response to the match against Arsenal.

"Our team who came was not much different from Arsenal. We made a slight change in the first half. Meanwhile, in the second half, we played better and could score goals," he said.

"After a tight fight for 95 minutes, we were finally able to rest this winter," he said again. Klopp felt the need to give players a break after playing a tight match since December. They also continued to play at the turn of the year.

When meeting Arsenal in the FA Cup, the former Borussia Dortmund coach hoped there would be no replay. Yes, the rematch in the FA Cup is a scourge for managers because they have to return to prepare the team because there is no extra time and penalty shootouts if both teams draw.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also asked that the replay in the FA Cup be abolished. Arteta himself once felt the tight competition in England because he had played at Arsenal.

"We are really trying hard not to let the match end in a draw," said Klopp.

Meanwhile, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold who captained Van Dijk said this victory was an extraordinary achievement. The reason is, the team lost a lot of the best players in that match.

"This is an extraordinary result, especially we lost the best player. Some have strengthened the national team and Virgil has suffered an injury," said Alexander-Arnold who forced Kiwior to score an own goal. Feed from him to be thrown away by Kiwior but the ball slid into the net itself.