Liverpool lost the midfield battle at Arsenal – goal Fabinho will have learned a valuable lesson

The midfield battle was one of Liverpool lost on Saturday evening against Arsenal.

For some reason, it was not balanced right and it was great to hear James Milner talking about putting you right after the game.

I think Fabinho is going to be a very good defensive midfielder for Liverpool and it's a great deal to play against Red Star and Cardiff, Arsenal away is totally different test.

It has been the biggest game in the history of the world.

However, looking at the bigger picture, I think it's going to be a world of choice.

This is not a problem for him, making a mark in the engine against the background of anfield.

And I think it was just a bit of a learning process for him, but that will come with time.

He will take it all on board, learn and improve and that is what makes a player.

When the next big game is coming around such as Manchester United or the Merseyside derby, he will know what is required in there, so that is one benefit for Liverpool from Saturday.

Two ways to view Arsenal result

Liverpool's draw with Arsenal at the weekend was probably the best Premier League game of the season so far.

There were plenty of attacks on both sides, they were going for it, there was drama, goals and poor decisions from the officials – it had the lot.

There are two ways to look at the result, too.

Jurgen Klopp's side. Arsenal put them under pressure, won the midfield battle and had their chances.

More gaining point to a top-six rival is always something you would take and the Reds turned into a really good performance at the Emirates.

Post-match reaction from James Pearce

On the second hand though, the bar has been raised so much by Manchester City that you've walked away from Arsenal.

You just knew City would beat Southampton on Sunday too, so it's really hard to take on the goal.

The Reds have a great luck to the Londoners away and let City and Chelsea scrap it against Manchester United and Everton respectively.

And I have to say, I want Manchester United to win!

Southampton 6-1 at home on Sunday and they are not looking forward anytime soon.

Wolves did not have a chance to win the day, but unfortunately they could not keep up the momentum and get the results.

It's very frustrating to think of every other year Liverpool would have a massive opportunity of winning the Premier League with this kind of form.

Liverpool still have a great chance to do that of course, but they are relying on the city, so it will be difficult.

Officials got it badly wrong

It was refreshing from Sadio Mane to hear him saying he was not too annoyed at seeing his goal wrongly ruled out for offside at Arsenal.

He had the benefit of a poor decision against West Ham in the season.

It is certainly one way of looking at it, but I have to say I was frustrated by the decision as it cost Liverpool two points at Arsenal.

Seeing both the referee and the linesman not getting out of control Mane's correct goal was tough to take.

The referee did not have a lot to do but I felt strongly favored the home side of the game.

There was nothing hugely contentious but some of them dumbfounded me, and the linesman certainly got it wrong with Mane's goal.

Mano was in an off position when the first ball was played but became active again Roberto Firmino took the shot, so the linesman should know that and give the goal.

Unfortunately, he's flagged for the first phase, which is not right as Mane did not touch it.

Firmino has hit the post, it's back to Mane and he's tapped it in. It should have stood and Liverpool should have taken the lead.

It was a puzzling decision and I question whether the linesman knew the rules.

The lads took it on the chin though, moved on and carried on – James Milner.

And to be honest, I could not really see how well I'm doing.

But if you look at it across the board, I'd say it was ultimately a result.