Joe Gomez Debut dominated Arsenal; his tackling stats were incredible

Joe Gomez dominated Arsenal; his tackling stats were incredible

Joe Gomez came off the bench for Liverpool against Arsenal on Saturday. The defender dominated the Gunners in his third-best position.

Kostas Tsimikas reportedly broke his collarbone on Saturday as he collided with Jurgen Klopp on the sideline. The Liverpool defender had to leave the pitch, of course, leaving the Reds without a proper left-back.

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Andy Robertson has his own issues, after all. The Scot has been out for a while after shoulder surgery and it isn’t exactly clear when he’ll return.

That left Klopp with one option – Joe Gomez. Gomez is capable of playing left-back but it’s certainly his third-best role; the defender is much more at home playing centre-back or right-back.

Not that you could have known that by watching him against Arsenal. Gomez entered the fray on 35 minutes and put in one of the most dominating full-back performances you’ll see all season.

The highlight statistic is that Gomez won six tackles. Not only was that the most of anyone on the pitch but he also attempted six – meaning he won every single tackle. Doing that at a match-high is extraordinary, let alone doing it in 55 minutes.

Gomez was also up against arguably Arsenal’s star player, too. Bukayo Saka got no real joy on that flank after Gomez arrived.

And on top of it all, the Liverpool defender registered five clearances (most for Liverpool, 2nd-most in match) and made an interception, while only Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Salah had more than his two shots.

It was a remarkable display and one that shows just how good Gomez can be. The defender has had his ups and downs over the last few seasons but at his best, he remains one of the most complete defenders around.

After all, how many can put in top performances across the back four? Gomez can – even in games as big as this.

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Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Joe Gomez was a surprise hero for Liverpool last night in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Arsenal at Anfield.

The 26-year-old defender was brought on 35 minutes in as Kostas Tsimikas was forced to come off with an injury, with Gomez going on to impress against Mikel Arteta’s side.

As per WhoScored, Gomez won the most tackles out of any Liverpool player on the night, with the former Charlton Athletic man keeping Bukayo Saka at bay in impressive fashion.

Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC – Premier League

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And on Instagram, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk were both very impressed with what they saw from Gomez, with the duo praising their defensive teammate on his latest post.

Indeed, Gomez’s performances have been quite impressive this season from the bench, with the Liverpool defender showing last night that he can be a valuable asset if needed by Jurgen Klopp.

And many Liverpool fans will be pleased with Gomez’s performance, with shutting down Saka a key reason why the Reds came away with something against Arsenal last night.

Joe Gomez could now have a run in Liverpool’s starting XI

Joe Gomez Liverpool

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

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With Tsimikas likely to be out for some time after breaking his collarbone, now could be the time for Gomez to enjoy a long, undisturbed run in the Liverpool starting XI.

The defender showed last night that he can handle his own against one of the best in the Premier League in Saka, with Gomez really turning up on the day from the bench.

And heading into fixtures against Burnley and Newcastle United, Gomez could be the main man to start at left-back with Tsimikas now out injured with Robertson still on the road to recovery.