It wouldn’t be a big fixture for Liverpool without a pre-match social media meltdown.
That was duly provided by Alisson Becker and Thiago Alcantara both missing training sessions over the weekend to prompt fears of their absence here against Arsenal.
When the teamsheet dropped, such concerns were only partly eased.
While Jurgen Klopp revealed Thiago will be out until after the international break after suffering a fitness issue, Alisson was available to start.
And how Liverpool were grateful for that during a pivotal period in the second half.
The goalkeeper wasn’t to know Alexandre Lacazette would ultimately be ruled offside when played clear behind the Reds defence, Alisson standing tall to repel the striker’s finish.
But no flag would have come to Liverpool’s rescue when, moments later, Lacazette again found himself in open space with only the Brazilian to beat.
The outcome, thankfully, was the same as Alisson held his nerve, refused to go to ground and invited the Arsenal man to fire at him. The battle of wits was won.
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Having made a rare mistake to gift Lacazette a goal in the defeat at the Emirates towards the end of last season, the keeper perhaps felt there was reason for atonement.
Adrian proved an able deputy in the Premier League last season but not without reason is Alisson regarded arguably the finest goalkeeper in the world, his presence adding a measure of calm and confidence throughout the Reds defence.
Even when he was beaten for the opener, Lacazette capitalising on a rare Andy Robertson mistake, it came because the Arsenal man mishit his shot into the floor.
Alisson’s later intervention ensured there was no sign of an unjust reward for the Gunners, who were comprehensively outplayed in the first half – the Reds responding almost immediately to going behind with two goals in six minutes – and were fortunate come full time only to lose by a two-goal margin.
Indeed, the opening 45 minutes of pressing, intensity, at times glorious distribution and incessant work-rate stood alongside any half Liverpool played as they romped to the title last season. Yes, it really was that good.
This was a reminder of why the Reds are champions. And, if it were needed, why Alisson is so important to their cause.
