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Arsenal Closes Gap on Liverpool with Impressive 3-1 Victory

By Edward MimiFebruary 5, 2024
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The ongoing Premier League season’s title is a five-horse race between Liverpool (the Reds), Arsenal (the Gunners), Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Reds are determined to bag it after missing the title in the 2022/2023 season.

Arsenal and Liverpool clashed on Sunday at Emirates Stadium. Nevertheless, the Gunners thrashed the Reds 3-1 and reduced their points margin to two. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka netted a goal each for Arsenal.

 

 

What Transpired Early in the Match?

The game was fast-paced from the first minute. Diogo Jota scared Arsenal’s defense when he took an accurate shot. But, the Gunners’ goalkeeper, David Raya deflected it and denied Liverpool an early lead.

Martinelli countered Trent Alexander-Arnold’s scoring attempts. Saka didn't hesitate to make a close-range cross when he got the opportunity. Unfortunately, he failed to score.

Saka didn’t give up as he netted the opener in the 14th minute. Martin Odegaard made a classic pass that prompted Kai Havertz to break the Reds' defense. Allison Becker tried to save but failed.

Arsenal players became chaotic after a while allowing Gabriel Magalhaes to equalize for Liverpool in the 45+3 minute.

 

 

Arsenal Regains the Lead

The Gunners were determined to retake the lead shortly after the second half began. Yet, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister narrowly missed scoring for Liverpool. Confusion occurred at Liverpool’s goalpost between Becker and Van Dijk.

Martinelli capitalized on it and scored the second goal for Arsenal. Ibrahima Konate picked his second yellow card and a red card in the 88th minute after hauling Havertz.

Leandro Trossard ran on the left wing and took an accurate shot in the 90+2 minute that passed between Becker’s legs. Trossard increased Arsenal’s lead to 3-1 making it impossible for Liverpool to have a comeback. The forward excited the Gunners’ fans as they celebrated the club’s victory.

The Player of the Match

Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, fondly called Jorginho was chosen to be the Player of the Match. Mikel Arteta, Arenal’s manager, and Gary Neville from Sky Sports picked Jorginho for the award.

Arteta praised Jorginho for his high playing quality despite experiencing intense pain for a few months. Jorginho debuted in the Premier League in November 2023. Still, he has made four interceptions, over 68 touches, and 44 successful passes so far.

 

 

Roy Keane Critizes Liverpool’s Defense

Keane, a Sky Sports bettor claimed Liverpool players were sloppy throughout the game. But Keane praised Arsenal for adequately preparing for the match. Keane mocked the Reds claiming that their defense resembled that of a pub team.

Jamie Carragher stated that Van Dijk shouldn’t have allowed Arsenal to score their second goal. This is a lesson that many players learn while playing low-level football.

Carragher defended Martinelli for clashing Allison with Van Dijk. He accused the latter of making poor decisions that resulted in Arsenal’s three goals.

 

 

Arteta Applauds His Players

Arsenal’s recent 3-1 victory over Liverpool thrilled Arteta. He informed Sky Sports reporters that his players created a few scoring chances in the first half before conceding shortly before halftime. 

Even so, the Gunners reacted first as difficult scenarios occurred. The Gunners became ruthless and eventually beat the Reds, who are considered to be among Europe’s best soccer clubs.