Though he was denied another winner for Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers felt Christian Benteke showed the full range of his skills against Arsenal on Monday night.
Having opened his account for the Reds at Anfield a week earlier, the No.9 was a constant threat to the Gunners at the Emirates, particularly during the first half.
Only three minutes had elapsed when the Belgian broke clear along the right flank and picked out Philippe Coutinho, whose curled finish clattered the crossbar.
Benteke was left even more frustrated when he pounced on a Roberto Firmino center, yards from goal, and saw what seemed a certain opener denied by the reactions of Petr Cech.
That missed opportunity aside, though, the summer signing utilized all of his power and pace to brilliantly lead the Liverpool attack in north London.
“I thought he was outstanding,” Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com after the 0-0 draw. “He has obviously been labeled a certain type, probably because of his size. But you see the quality of his touch, his movement to spin in behind, to come short, his set-up play and, of course, he’s a real threat in the air.
“He was unfortunate not to score in the first half. It was a great ball in by Firmino. He’s got a touch on it and Petr Cech makes a good save.
“He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score but his overall contribution was outstanding.”
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Thumbnail photo via LiverpoolFC.com
