Premier League: Arsenal prove their title credentials
Arsenal 3 - 1 Liverpool
Arsenal narrowed Liverpool's lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points following a well-deserved victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Before this dramatic match, Arsenal believed that a loss would have hugely negatively impacted their title chances. Their cause was significantly aided by two blunders from Liverpool's typically reliable goalkeeper, Alisson, who generously handed Arsenal the goals securing three vital points.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as Arsenal handed Liverpool only their second league defeat this season, the first since a highly controversial loss at Tottenham in late September.
Arsenal reaped the rewards of a swift start when Bukayo Saka provided a 14th-minute lead, slotting home a rebound after Alisson saved from Kai Havertz.
Despite dominating proceedings, defensive chaos allowed Liverpool to level seconds before the break, with Gabriel inadvertently turning the ball into his own net following a mix-up between keeper David Raya and William Saliba as they challenged Luis Diaz.
Liverpool gained momentum after the interval, with Alexis Mac Allister coming close twice and Curtis Jones narrowly missing the target. However, the next calamitous error, this time between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, allowed the Gunners to regain the lead in the 67th minute. Alisson's misjudged rush from the goal left Gabriel Martinelli with a straightforward finish into an empty net.
Liverpool's woes deepened in the closing stages when defender Ibrahima Konate received a second yellow card for a foul on Havertz, and substitute Leandro Trossard added a third in stoppage time, with Alisson once again culpable for allowing a routine near-post shot through his legs.
Jubilant scenes after full -time
Arsenal club photographer Stuart MacFarlane celebrating the win with Martin Odegaard 📸😂
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 4, 2024
pic.twitter.com/kzDqYOLsHK
If Arsenal had lost to Liverpool, they would have been out of the Premier League title race. It was their cup final, so why not celebrate?
The pressure was on as Arsenal faced the in-form team in the country, a team that had been demolishing opponents.
Arsenal demonstrated character to overcome doubts, regroup, and, admittedly aided by some woeful Liverpool defending wrapped up in a dismal Liverpool performance, position themselves at the heart of a three-way title pursuit.
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When Liverpool is at its best, they close down opponents, winning the ball high up the pitch. With Jorginho, they couldn't disrupt him because he knows what he's doing before he gets the ball. He was always one step ahead, and more often than not, Arsenal broke the press, allowing them to score goals.
However, despite all this, a loss at West Ham would put them back to square one and render their efforts almost futile. At this stage though, they have given themselves an opportunity in the title race.
Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
