Report and free highlights as Liverpool made it nine wins on the bounce with a 2-0 win over Arsenal to move within one point of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table
Thursday 17 March 2022 08:54, UK
Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to secure a huge three points in the Premier League title race.
Diogo Jota's breakthrough goal early in the second half was soon followed by a second from substitute Roberto Firmino to move Jurgen Klopp's side within a point of Manchester City.
Arsenal had chances of their own, none clearer than when Martin Odegaard failed to beat Alisson Becker from point-blank range after Thiago Alcantara's sloppy back pass.
But while the Liverpool goalkeeper kept that attempt out, Aaron Ramsdale should have done better than allow Jota's low shot to squeeze beyond him at his near post.
It was tough on Mikel Arteta's team who started the game with real intensity, their performance featuring a standout display from Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
But they were unable to turn their endeavour into goals and their winning run ends at five. Liverpool's own sequence of consecutive victories now stands at nine - and counting.
There was a time not so long ago when the absence of Mohamed Salah from the Liverpool starting line-up would have been cause for consternation but this squad is robust now.
Having previously won without both him and Sadio Mane away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Jota was able to score what turned out to be the winner here while Salah was sat on the bench.
That Klopp could turn to Salah and Firmino moments later - with Firmino soon adding the second - highlights the depth that the Liverpool manager now has at his disposal. Five top forwards.
As Klopp celebrated with the away fans at full time, you could sense how big a result this was for Liverpool as they piled the pressure on leaders Manchester City.
Hailing the magnitude of the win, the Liverpool boss told Sky Sports: "It's really special. Coming here in our situation, and their situation, and not having a brilliant first half and then turning the game in the right direction is pretty special.
"You have to be on your toes because they are a proper threat."
On the title race, he added: "We have had a good period. We are one point behind but the only thing we can do is win football games. No game is easy in this incredible league and we have to keep going.
"The only thing I'm really interested in is how we can prepare for the next game, how we can get through this. It's so difficult - I think it's game number 13 since we met Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. For them it's seven - that's six more games for us. We don't complain about it, we wanted it like this. Let's see how it goes.
"In 10 years, do you think somebody will say you should be proud [of finishing second by one point]? Probably not. We know we have a special group here and we're trying to squeeze everything we can out of the situation."
Meanwhile, a clearly disappointed Arteta was proud of the performance of his players.
"From box to box we were at least at their level or better," he told Sky Sports. "But in the boxes, that's where they won the game.
"We went toe to toe against the best team in the league right now and big credit to the players.
"I want to win every football game, but I am very proud of the boys and the performance and the connection with the fans, they stayed with the players until the end.
"I think it should make them realise there is another step and the gap is smaller. I never seen an atmosphere like this (at the club), that's the reality."
When asked if his players can deal with pressure of competing for top four, he added: "I think they showed that tonight."
Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at the Emirates Stadium:
You could sense the excitement in the air before kick-off.
There was a buzz, an anticipation as in-form Arsenal welcomed title challengers Liverpool. After a run of five straight wins in the Premier League, were the Gunners finally ready to make a huge statement in the race for the top four?
In the first half, that expectation rose as Arsenal caused Liverpool plenty of problems. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka looked real threats in behind Liverpool's high line. However, Arsenal lacked a cutting edge with their final ball off all night.
Then came the big moment.
Early in the second half, Alexandre Lacazette pounced on Thiago's sloppy back pass before teeing up Martin Odegaard, who was denied by a crucial save from Alisson.
Liverpool, who were never going to be as poor as they were in the first half, then showed how clinical you have to be in these big matches. Where Alisson had come to Liverpool's rescue, could Aaron Ramsdale come to Arsenal's?
Diego Jota's shot squeezed past him at the near post before Roberto Firmino's deft touch put the game to bed.
Suddenly, the Emirates Stadium was flat. The optimism was gone.
The reality, it was another false dawn for Arsenal in terms of them challenging the big boys of the Premier League. However, this result will not decide their top-four push.
The Gunners are still in an extremely strong position in fourth, but now the real test comes. Mikel Arteta will have to work hard to get a response from his side, starting at Aston Villa on Saturday as they bid to not let this result derail their Champions League push.
Arsenal visit Aston Villa in the lunchtime match on Saturday, heading to Villa Park for a 12.30pm kick-off. They're then on Monday Night Football after the international break on April 4 live on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off at 4.30pm.
Liverpool are in FA Cup action this weekend, travelling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday night; kick-off at 6pm. They then host Watford at Anfield after the international break on April 2, kick-off at 12.30pm, before their crunch title clash with Manchester City on April 10, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm; kick-off at 4.30pm.
