Mignolet: Arsenal win has given us a base to build on
Making a vital penalty save to help Liverpool on the way to a tense opening-day victory - Simon Mignolet has been here before.
Three years after denying Jonathan Walters a late equaliser from the spot for Stoke City at Anfield, the Belgian goalkeeper’s intervention to prevent Theo Walcott breaking the deadlock with a penalty in Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium proved crucial, with the Reds eventually running out 4-3 winners.
Mignolet’s save from Walters acted as a catalyst to a remarkable 2013-14 campaign, when Liverpool finished second to Manchester City.
The Reds’ No.22, who has now made a club-record five penalty saves in the Premier League since joining Liverpool in 2013, was thrilled to play his part in another memorable opening-day win and hopes the result provides a platform for Jürgen Klopp’s side to enjoy a successful campaign.
“I was pleased with the penalty save,” Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo.
“We had studied where Arsenal players put their penalties but it was difficult because their normal penalty takers weren’t on the pitch.
“It happened to be Walcott and luckily I picked the right spot.
“That’s how we started a few years ago against Stoke when we won and went on to challenge for the Premier League title.
“The most important thing is that we have started with three points.”
Liverpool had only won on one of their previous 13 visits to the Emirates prior to Sunday, and Mignolet believes Klopp’s team can take plenty of confidence after coming away from North London with the three points.
“There are a lot of things we can learn from this game but it’s great to start with a victory, especially with it coming at the Emirates, a ground where we haven’t taken many points in the last few years,” he added.
“As a team we have lots of attacking options now. A lot of players with pace who can make the difference going forward.
“The second half at Arsenal was like how we played against Barcelona. We can build on this.”