Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal: Is an Ugly Win Still a Win for the Reds?

Liverpool's 2-0 win against Arsenal is, on the surface, a great win for the Reds.

Arsenal is probably one of two teams that Liverpool will have to compete with for the fourth a final Champions League spot in the Premier League (Tottenham being the other).  Hence, defeating the Gunners in London is a significant win no matter how early in the season it is.

However, under the circumstances, the way the victory occurred was not the best.

Over the past few weeks, Arsenal has sold their captain, had injuries to some key players and had midfielders Gervinho and Song sent off and suspended.

When centre-back Laurent Koscielny went off with back spasms in the first half, Arsenal was forced to field three young players who were making their Premier League debuts.

And yet, Liverpool was only able to produce one clear-cut chance in the first 70 minutes (a header by Andy Carroll that forced a leaping save from Szczesny).

Finally, youngster Emmanuel Frimpong committed one too many silly fouls, getting sent off.

With Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles, Liverpool were soon able to produce the breakthrough soon after but only on a goal caused by an errant clearance Miqel, who was making his Premier League debut.

Sure, Liverpool's play in the final 20 minutes was bound to produce the winner; and yes, the club has played well in their first two matches, winning 4-of-6 points.

However, the trouble with Liverpool over the last few seasons has seemingly been that they have played down to their competition.

Outplaying Sunderland only to earn a point and getting the win over Arsenal because of a silly red card by an inexperienced player does not convince me Liverpool has fixed this issue.

Should Liverpool apologize for their victory?  Of course not.  It will probably even prove to be an important three points at some point this season.

But let's not get carried away.  Liverpool still has a lot of work to do to break into the top four.

However, with no European distraction, I wouldn't be surprised if they do.