Arsenal FC deservedly and somewhat bizarrely won a fast-paced top match against leaders Liverpool 3:1. Things are getting really cuddly at the top of the English table
Van Dijk’s through pass, Gakpo’s lay-off, but then Diogo Jota missed the ball: Liverpool, who had already knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup at the Emirates, almost took them by surprise after less than 40 seconds. A completely different game then developed.
Arteta’s side shook themselves briefly, allowed the ball to move a little and then forced Liverpool to play their own game with enormous intensity. Arsenal’s relentless approach and impressive passing power in every pressure situation quickly had the Reds on the ropes. A demonstration of power from the runners-up.
The 1:0 seemed only a matter of time. In the 11th minute, the speedy Martinelli, who Liverpool were unable to get a grip on, broke through down the left wing – Saka headed over with a promising chance in the middle. Three minutes later, Havertz, deployed as a center forward, also missed a great chance. But Alisson saved at the feet of Saka, who dusted it off (14th).
Luis Diaz forces the equalizer with no chance at all
Even though the Gunners pulled back a little afterwards: Intensity and pressure hardly let up. Van Dijk had to block Ödegaard in an emergency (21st), which was the only way LFC could later defend against Rice and Havertz (both 39th). At the other end – without the injured Salah – nothing really happened beyond a dangerous Alexander Arnold cross to Gakpo (27).
Arsenal could only be blamed for not taking a bigger lead. For example through Martinelli, who had Konaté in his way after Jorginho’s dream pass (45.+1). And then it was suddenly 1:1 because Luis Diaz followed up a lost running duel and tipped the ball against Gabriel, who scored an unfortunate own goal with his arm that went completely against the run of play (45.+3).
The league leaders started the second half as if they had deserved to equalize – the Reds pinned Arsenal back. The shots flew in immediately, Jones’ just wide of the far corner (48′).
The Gunners survived the Liverpool raid in the first five minutes after the break and rallied. Ödegaard’s deflected 16-yard shot almost landed in the far corner – Arsenal were back in the game (52′). And for the first time, they were on level terms and playing pressure soccer in transition
Alisson skips past friend and foe
Almost every minute, everything was up in the air until Gabriel played a through pass to Martinelli and both van Dijk and Alisson felt responsible. The keeper overdid it and leapt out of his goal – past friend, foe and ball. Van Dijk was stunned and Martinelli just had to slot the ball into the empty goal – 2:1 (67′). At this stage, it had become apparent again.
From then on, Arsenal were permanently in the ascendancy and largely in control of the game, even in administration mode. Mac Allister went close again for LFC after a corner (77′), but many of the visitors’ crosses failed to find their target. Ödegaard did find the free-standing Kiwior with one such cross at the other end, but he headed into Alisson’s arms (84′).
Trossard makes it all clear – Arsenal and ManCity in the hunt
The preliminary decision was made in the 88th minute when the cautioned Konaté – a harsh decision – was shown a second yellow card, leaving Liverpool decimated. Joker Trossard finally scored the winner after a strong solo run down the left flank. Van Dijk deflected his shot through the legs of Alisson (90.+2).
