No one has scored more goals for Liverpool against Arsenal than Jürgen Klopp’s outgoing star man, who has left the club with a transfer dilemma this summer.
That was as unavoidable as fate. You could sense what was going to happen as soon as the red jersey was put on and the feet were placed on the sideline, ready to come on. Liverpool had already taken the lead over Arsenal at the time, but they lacked a cutting edge. Jürgen Klopp needed a seasoned veteran, and his most seasoned veteran of all stepped up precisely when he needed it.
Roberto Firmino is one of Liverpool’s longest-serving players. He’s been with Klopp from the beginning, and he’s tormented Arsenal like no other Liverpool player before him.
His contribution in the closing embers of the game to rescue a point for Liverpool was yet another reminder of his talismanic abilities. Firmino has developed into a poacher and goal-scoring machine this season. Firmino has provided 0.88 goals per 90 minutes for the Reds this season, with 11 goals and five assists in 1,628 minutes across all competitions.
He was also often called upon to perform a crucial role. The goal against Arsenal was undoubtedly his most crucial goal, but Firmino has played a role in some of Liverpool’s biggest moments this season, notably the rout of Bournemouth and a late-but-heroic 11-minute cameo against Manchester United.
He has also written himself into the history books with his recent effort. No Liverpool player has more Premier League goals against Arsenal than the Brazilian, who has 11 goals in 15 meetings against the Gunners. Firmino just appears to have a penchant for scoring against the current Premier League championship contenders, and Arsenal will be relieved to see him go at the end of the season for greener pastures.
Firmino’s pivotal moment on Sunday, though, served as a reminder of a building crisis for Liverpool. The Brazilian’s experience has been crucial this season, and with Klopp focusing on the midfield and defense this summer, replacing Firmino may be ‘neglected’ during the forthcoming transfer window.
It, though, might take Liverpool down a similar path. When players are not appropriately replaced at Anfield, it often comes back to harm Liverpool later on.
Klopp cannot afford to make that error with Firmino. Of certainly, he will not be able to locate a comparable successor. He will also be unable to locate someone of the same caliber and expertise. Firmino is an uncommon player. Yet Liverpool will have to find a method to replace Firmino, which will almost certainly be via the transfer market.
If they don’t, Klopp and his Liverpool team may ᵴтᴜɡɡιе to find moments like his goal against Arsenal next season. Particularly when the Reds had already lost another critical player in Divock Origi’s previous season.
