Premier League: Arsenal brings down Liverpool!

A single defeat in the Premier League, a first place firmly held, but a more than perilous trip to Arsenal’s pitch. Liverpool, shaken by the announcement of Jürgen Klopp’s departure last week, managed to keep a cool head on the Premier League pitches, like the slap given to Chelsea in the middle of the week. Except that Arsenal is another story, as the Gunners are capable of igniting at the Emirates Stadium. And that’s exactly what they did from the start of the match, pounced on every opportunity to put danger in front of Alisson’s goal.

A crazy ride from Martinelli led to the first big chance of the match, but Saka completely missed his header from close range (11th). Cody Gakpo responded, in the other direction, with a cross shot, but it was Arsenal who led the dance, thanks to a very inspired Odegaard who launched Havertz in 1 against 1 against Alisson. The Brazilian goalkeeper pushed back but Saka followed well to finish the job (1-0, 14th). Liverpool strangely lacked pace, inspiration and concentration. Surprising ball losses from Alexander Trent-Arnold, Joe Gomez in difficulty… Even Van Dijk was caught on the opening score. Offensively, it wasn’t much better, and only Curtis Jones was surviving.

Alisson’s ball after that of the Arsenal defense

But Arsenal were wrong not to take advantage of this completely failed half-time by the Reds. Worse, the London club was going to concede a daunting goal. Saliba protected the ball poorly, Luis Diaz took the opportunity to touch it with the tip of his foot. It landed on the arm of Gabriel, who scored against his side in the 45th + 3rd! A miracle for Liverpool, as it had been so transparent until then. Returning from the locker room, the Reds seemed sharper, like Luis Diaz. Mac Allister and Jones tried their hand from afar, and the threat became more precise. But you had to believe that this match was dedicated to defensive balls. After that of the Arsenal defense, it was Alisson’s turn.

While Van Dijk was in the duel with Martinelli, the Brazilian goalkeeper missed the ball on his kick, and let his compatriot score in the empty goal (2-1, 67th). Liverpool were stunned by this individual error, and did not seem to have the weapons this Sunday to turn the situation around. Nothing was going in the right direction for Klopp’s team, with the expulsion of Konaté, for a foul on an untenable Havertz this Sunday. Then Trossard completed the festival with a magnificent goal, scored alone (3-1, 90+2nd). Arsenal could celebrate the victory as a real achievement, since it was only the second defeat of the season in the Premier League for the Reds, after that which occurred on September 30 against Tottenham. Klopp’s men remain first, but remain within striking distance of Manchester City (who have two games in hand). Arsenal temporarily climbs to 2nd place, 2 points behind Liverpool.