by Arsenal’s Premier League challenge is on fire. Mikel Arteta and his players knew that this was all just a piece of excellence they needed a win and they would find a way to prevail, finish second and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to a few points. Manchester City, who play at Brentford on Monday night, remain within striking distance of the summit. We expect to have a three way game for the trophy.
Arsenal deserved a frenetic game, mainly because of how they dominated the first half. But it was a big surprise how they came out on top – decisively. Then again, it was that kind of wild evening, the kind that burned out managers.
Related: Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool: The Premier League – live reaction
We have already seen William Saliba, one of the most reliable centre-halves in the division, make a terrible combination with the goalkeeper, David Raya, leading to Liverpool’s equalizer – Gabriel Magalhães own goal, pushed by Luis Díaz. But now we had played the same situation at the other end to end the feeling that Liverpool were building a head of steam.
It was midway through the second half and it was Virgil van Dijk who suffered a breakdown with goalkeeper Alisson trying to deal with a high ball forward under pressure from Gabriel Martinelli as he watched him kick lose completely. Martinelli rolled into the empty net and Arsenal were on their way.
Liverpool barely missed a beat from the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on December 23rd, leading all four. But their second league win of the season was in the works, which was confirmed when Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard stepped in in stoppage time to embarrass Alisson. Trossard’s low shot took a slight deflection off Van Dijk before going through the legs of Alisson.
By then, Liverpool were reduced to 10 men, Ibrahima Konaté picking up a second yellow card on 88 minutes for a check on Kai Havertz. Jürgen Klopp threw everything he had at Arsenal. Now there was nothing left.
There was no need for the biggest game of the season, although it was all the same and there was a reminder of what it was before the start – a replica of the Premier League trophy, decorated with sky blue and white ribbons, on a desk the host broadcaster on the side of the field.
The danger was greater for Arsenal, who had won just two of their previous 17 league meetings with Liverpool, and had to cope with the loss of Gabriel Jesus, after the striker picked up a knee injury at the worst possible moment. . Then again, Klopp could only name Darwin Núñez among the substitutes with Dominik Szoboszlai injured again. Conor Bradley did not travel after the death of his father on Saturday.
Arsenal brought the intensity at the start and the home support responded; the Emirates were jumping. It was clear that Arteta was demanding a quick start and there was a moment on seven minutes when he recovered the ball for Arsenal to throw in with an impression that he did not have much courage.
Many Arsenal players were seen hitting the crowd, including after the announced goal. From the throw of Raya, Martinelli changed the after fire to get away from Konaté before crossing for Bukayo Saka, who had his run. The Saka title link was not true.
Arteta Havertz started up front, with Martin Ødegaard in the No. 10 and it was the latter that prompted the move for the opening goal. The Arsenal captain sniffed the space between the lines and played a beautiful first-time pass to Havertz, who was one-on-one with Alisson. He had to score and still Alisson blocked. Sadly for the Liverpool goalkeeper, the rebound fell nicely to Saka, who smashed home his 11th goal of the season.
Arsenal were ahead in the first half. They won the physical duels – there were times when it felt like Declan Rice was everywhere – and there were many examples of them showing their personality on the ball, Ben White in particular. Ødegaard had a shot blocked by Van Dijk after Liverpool had been robbed as he tried to play off; Gabriel and Martinelli also had half chances.
This Liverpool team is rarely in the limelight. They did nothing as an attacking force in the first half but always give the impression that they know their moment will come.
He did it on the stroke of half time. From Arsenal’s point of view, the concession was a disaster, Saliba trying to keep Ryan Gravenberch’s ball over the top back to Raya. Díaz hit him in for a push where he hit Gabriel’s arm and went inside. The breakdown between Saliba and Raya was complete. Saliba had to take more control of the situation.
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Liverpool were energetic at the start of the second half. If faith had never left them, it began to pump now. The Emirates got angrier, with Curtis Jones curling a header just over the far post. For Arsenal, Ødegaard looked at shot deflection all over the world. Klopp made a move before the hour, bringing in Núñez up front; Harvey Elliott in right-center field; Andy Robertson at left back. Díaz hit a shot too close to Raya.
Arsenal, however, went deep into the depths of their secrets. They needed something badly and, after Havertz screamed in vain for a penalty following a combination with Alexis McAllister, they got it with Martinelli’s goal.
The final stages were chaotic. Mac Allister curled inches wide after a corner and Arsenal substitute Jakub Kiwior headed Alisson when he should have scored. Klopp moved Díaz to right-back and went on the break with Diogo Jota and Núñez as a couple of strikers. Arsenal stood tall.
