Arsenal fans agree with Alan Shearer's reaction to Mikel Arteta decision vs Liverpool as unwanted stat emerges

Arsenal suffered a devastating 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool to knock them out of the FA Cup - and Gunners fans found themselves agreeing with Alan Shearer's point on commentary.

The Gunners were dominant in the first half, having 13 shots at goal and piling constant pressure on the Liverpool backline.

But Mikel Arteta's side failed to convert that dominance into a goal, with Gunners fans once again renewing their calls for the club to sign a central striker in the January transfer window.

And their worst fears were realised 10 minutes from time, when Trent Alexander-Arnold's free kick took a nick off Jakub Kiwior and going into the back of the net to give Liverpool the advantage.

Luis Diaz then sealed the victory for the Reds before full time with a well-struck effort into the top corner from inside the area.

Luis Diaz with a sublime finish to seal Liverpool's place in the fourth round! ✅#BBCFACup #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/B97c6ri3dI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 7, 2024

But while Arsenal supporters rued their side's failure to score themselves, some questioned why Arteta elected to bring on Eddie Nketiah so late on in the game to add more firepower to his attack.

The Arsenal number 14 was ready to come onto the pitch before Liverpool's opener, but eventually had to wait until the 82nd minute before he entered proceedings.

Shearer stated on commentary that he 'couldn't believe' that Nketiah hadn't been introduced earlier, and although the England striker didn't make an impact, Arsenal fans also questioned why he wasn't given more time.

Taking to X (Twitter), one wrote: "We barely saw him and that was because Arteta made the subs about 20 minutes too late."

Another added: "Criminal subs waiting too long."

A third said: "Nketiah on for 10 minutes after we conceded. Liverpool made subs and changed the game, we waited."

Elsewhere, Arsenal extended their tally of shots without scoring at the Emirates Stadium to 48 after another disappointing display.

They failed to register a shot in target in the second half, with the Reds scoring first and then finishing the game late on.

And while Arsenal's all-round performance and build-up play may not concern Arteta too much, the lack of cutting edge in recent weeks will no doubt be a worry for the Gunners boss.