Bukayo Saka’s 76th minute penalty gave Arsenal all three points against Liverpool and propelled the Gunners back to the top of the table. Manchester City had taken hold of top spot after a 4-0 victory over Southampton but Arsenal responded at the Emirates.
Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Xhaka; Saka (Vieira 90′), Odegaard (Tierney 82′), Martinelli; Jesus (Nketiah 90′)
Liverpool fell behind in the 57th seconds after Odegaard slipped a pass between Trent & Van Dijk. The pass found Martinelli who placed beyond Allison.
Liverpool were the better side in the first half and got the equalizer in the 34th minute through new signing Nunez. The Gunners finished the half ahead. Jesus let Martinelli’s pass roll between him for Saka to guide home at the near post.
Firmino drew Liverpool level in the 53rd minute but Liverpool were forced to take out Salah. He was second best to Tomiyasu who deputised on the left in the absence of Zinchenko.
G. Jesus was fouled in the box by Thiago and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Saka converted the penalty to the delight of the fans. When the final whistle was heard, you could see the manager pumping and vamosing. What an atmosphere.
Final Result: Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool (Martinelli 1′, Saka 45′, 76′ (pk) | Nunez 34′, Firmino 53′)
Victory over Tottenham & Liverpool should be a statement of Arsenal’s intent this season. The Gunners are not just getting the points, they are playing exciting football.
Yes, the Gunners are yet to keep a clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season, they have outscored everyone at the Emirates. I would take a 4-3 win over a 0-0 encounter.
Surely, the team needs improvement in that aspect but you could see the intent, belief and drive of the team. This Arsenal is not ready to sit back after conceding. They would need to kill off games quicker. At 2-1, Odegaard had a chance to make it 3-1.
The beauty of the team is that it is full of young stars. Good to see Martinelli & Saka on the scoresheet. Odegaard’s pass for the opener was well timed.
Liverpool are now 14pts behind leaders Arsenal. Can Arsenal go for glory? Arsenal fans would walk around this week with a chip on their shoulders.
In other footballing news, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th club career goal as Manchester United defeated Everton 2-1. Alex Iwobi scored the opener but Antony grabbed the equalizer before Ronaldo got the winner.
Up next: Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal
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