Arsenal wins 3-1 against Liverpool
Arsenal added to an already exciting Premier League title fight on Sunday, defeating underwhelming leaders Liverpool 3-1 to close the deficit to two points.
Arsenal deserved the points, but they did not expect an assist from a horrible defensive mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, which allowed Gabriel Martinelli to regain their lead in the 67th minute.
Substitute Leandro Trossard then calmed Emirates fans’ concerns by securing the victory in stoppage time with a strike-through Alisson’s legs.
Arsenal took an early lead in the 14th minute thanks to Bukayo Saka’s exquisite finish, but an own-goal by Gabriel on the stroke of half-time erased all of their good work.
Liverpool’s emotions spilled over as Ibrahima Konate was sent off in the dying minutes for a second booking after a tackle on Kai Havertz, resulting in only their second league defeat of the season.
Arsenal’s victory moved them into second place, with 49 points to Liverpool’s 51, after both teams had played 23 games. Champions Manchester City, who play on Monday, have 46 points from 21 games.
“It was a kick in the teeth to concede so late after having a really good first half, but we knew we had a really big 45 minutes in our season,” Arsenal’s Declan Rice said.
“We were top at Christmas and then had a few sloppy results. We seem to have ourselves back on the right track.”
For the fourth Premier League game in a row, Arsenal took an early lead.
Liverpool were sluggish, and Saka had already come close to scoring with a glancing header from Martinelli’s cross before the visitors were ripped apart by a smooth passing play.
Martin Ødegaard’s first-time pass unleashed Havertz, but his shot lacked conviction. It bounced off Alisson, and Saka comfortably swept home the rebound.
Liverpool’s response was conspicuously lacking, and they should consider themselves fortunate to be level at halftime thanks to an Arsenal gift.
Under pressure from Luis Díaz, Arsenal defender William Saliba attempted to shepherd the ball back towards his goalie, David Raya. However, the ball broke loose, and the retreating Gabriel ended up bundling it into his own goal.
It was a disappointing conclusion to the hosts’ dominant half, and for a few minutes at the start of the second period, they were wobbling as Liverpool had a flurry of goal opportunities, the greatest of which was a curling effort just wide from Curtis Jones.
Klopp made a triple replacement just before the hour, bringing on Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Núñez, indicating dissatisfaction with the performance.
However, any Klopp plot was foiled by a terrible mix-up involving two of his most trusted lieutenants. A punt forward appeared to be an easy mopping-up job for Van Dijk, but he dallied, a panicked Alisson kicked thin air, and Martinelli was left with the simple chore of placing the ball into an open net.
“It was a tough day,” Van Dijk said. “I take full responsibility for the 2-1 goal; it was a big turning point. It hurts for me and for the rest of the team.”
Trossard’s goal sealed the victory, putting Arsenal back in contention and sowing doubt at Anfield.
