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Riccardo Calafiori shows exactly why Liverpool was so keen on him with Arsenal goal vs Man City

-Credit: (Image: Getty)
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Riccardo Calafiori announced himself to the Premier League with a stunning strike in Arsenal's clash with Manchester City.

Last season's top two locked horns in a fiery affair at the Etihad with Liverpool no doubt keeping a close eye on its likely challengers for the Premier League title. Arne Slot's men went into the match top of the pile after beating Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

City raced into an early lead through Erling Haaland but lost midfielder Rodri soon after through injury and Arsenal then leveled the scores in outstanding fashion as left-back Calafiori beat Ederson with a fine long-range effort.

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The Italy international was making his first Premier League start as Mikel Arteta opted to drop Ben White to the bench, with Jurrien Timber moving across to right-back.

Calafiori was a man in demand in the summer and his performances at Euro 2024 only attracted more potential suitors. Liverpool was one of the clubs linked with the 22-year-old, with reports in Italy suggesting a bid would be made.

It was claimed that Arne Slot would look to bring in a left-sided defender, who can play both centrally and at full-back, with more competition seemingly needed for Andy Robertson. But Liverpool opted against making a move, paving the way for Arsenal to sign him from Bologna.

Calafiori eventually joined Arsenal in a $56m (£42m) transfer and has had to bide his time to make an impact. But he duly delivered at the Etihad and leveled the scores, with City having dominated the early exchanges.

He ran straight over to boss Arteta in the celebrations and the Gunners boss discussed his team selection before the game, having made a surprise change to his backline.

Explaining his decision to start the Italian, Arteta said: "It was a little bit forced [to drop Ben White and start Riccardo Calafiori], but we are ok. We've done it with different players but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different."