Last updated on September 4, 2025
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Arteta risked immediate tactical stability at the cost of potential injury.
Image credit: Livescore
Sometimes in football, a single decision can change the entire course of a match.
For Arsenal at Anfield, it was Mikel Arteta’s gamble that backfired.
What seemed like a calculated risk ended up as a painful lesson for both the manager and the team.
What was that? Let’s find out.
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Table of Contents
The Pre-Match Decision
The buildup to Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield was marred by uncertainty.
William Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, sustained an ankle injury during the warm-up.
Despite this setback, Saliba insisted he could play, and Mikel Arteta, perhaps with optimism, allowed him to start.
However, within five minutes, it was evident that the gamble had backfired.
Saliba was forced off, replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, who was thrust into the intensity of Premier League action far earlier than anticipated.
This decision was further complicated by the absence of key players.
Bukayo Saka was sidelined due to a hamstring issue, Kai Havertz was recovering from knee surgery, and Martin Ødegaard, though fit enough for the bench, was not deemed ready for a full match.
Of course, Mosquera went on to perform outstandingly to Arteta’s delight as shown by his comment he made after the game:
“Thank God we had Mosquera, which we put in for the first time in the Premier League. His debut, not expecting it at Anfield, and I think he was really, really good.”
However, these absences placed additional pressure on Arteta to make bold choices, but the early injury to Saliba highlighted the risks of such decisions.
Learn from Other Managers
Maresca, on the other hand, faced a similar problem with Cole Palmer but played it safe, keeping him out and letting Chelsea stay organized—and it worked.
They have went on to perform strongly since then.
Arteta risked immediate tactical stability at the cost of potential injury, while Maresca prioritized player fitness and team cohesion, showing a more conservative but effective approach.
Arteta can learn from managers like Maresca: sometimes it’s better to be careful and protect your players than to take a gamble that can backfire.
Unfortunate Arsenal
Arsenal’s performance was overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events.
As if the injury wasn’t enough, they were not able to capitalize on their dominance despite controlling much of the game.
The match was decided by a moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored a stunning 30-yard free-kick in the 83rd minute, leaving goalkeeper David Raya helpless.
Arsenal fans took to social media to express their frustrations, with many lamenting the recurring injury issues that have plagued key players.
One fan commented, “Just end the season already,” reflecting the collective sentiment of disappointment and concern.
Lessons Learned
Arsenal’s defeat at Anfield offers a clear lesson: player fitness must come first when making match decisions.
Arteta’s gamble with Saliba showed that even a short-term risk can have big consequences on the pitch.
