InterviewAlexis Mac Allister: We showed our mentality in the win at Arsenal
"We showed our mentality," was Alexis Mac Allister's assessment after Liverpool beat Arsenal to book their place in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.
An own goal from Jakub Kiwior, plus Luis Diaz's stoppage-time strike, secured a 2-0 win for Jürgen Klopp's side at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as they recorded their first win over the Gunners in the competition since the 2001 final, and their first away from home since 1964.
The Reds will discover their round-four opponents when the draw is made tonight, but speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the game, Mac Allister reflected on another strong collective showing from Klopp's men.
"[We are] very happy because we played against a very good team, very tough, but in the end we got the win and that's the most important thing," said the Argentina midfielder.
"We are very happy because, as I say, it was a tough game and maybe in the first half they were better and had some opportunities, but [in the] second half we defended very well and we showed our mentality."
He continued: "[In the] first half we didn't realise that they were doing one-v-one [over] the whole pitch, but in the second half we learned.
"We played some long balls and we put them into Darwin [Nunez] and Lucho in behind and that was very important and they did very well to help the team to attack and score goals."
Liverpool came into the game without a number of senior players, with Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo away on international duty, Dominik Szoboszlai, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara all injured, and captain Virgil van Dijk ruled out through illness.
But Mac Allister believes the quality of the squad shone through in north London.
"We know how important they are for us, Virgil, Endo and Mo," he said. "But we always say that the players behind have to step up and do their job. [Jarell] Quansah did an amazing game.
"So it's something we have to keep proving every single game because we are definitely going to miss them."
Mac Allister also paid tribute to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who captained the side in Van Dijk's absence and delivered a superb performance, capped by the free-kick that led to the opening goal 10 minutes from time.
"We know the quality of Trent and his set-pieces and from open play he has an amazing right foot," Mac Allister said. "He shows it every single game, so I'm very happy for him.
"Very happy for the young players [Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark] as well that came into the game at a tough moment. I'm really happy for them because they deserved it."
