Liverpool FC’s quest to set a new record points total in the Premier League came to end when Jurgen Klopp’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal. A series of uncharacteristic errors by the Reds saw the Champions of England gift two goals away to the Gunners in quick succession after taking the lead through Sadio Mane.
Klopp chose to field a strong Liverpool FC starting lineup against Mikel Arteta’s side on Wednesday night. Trent Alexander Arnold was called upon, with the English full-back replacing the youngster Neco Williams on the right. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was also given a rare start against his former club.
The Reds started the game with their usual dominance on the pitch, with the Gunners’ attacking trio unable to get even a touch on the ball. A couple of early chances that fell the way of the Liverpool FC forwards were blocked by the cautious defending employed by the hosts.
Roberto Firmino came extremely close to ending his goal drought when the Brazilian closed down Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and blocked the Argentine’s attempt to kick the ball downfield, with the ball hitting the outside of the post.
Only moments later, Firmino combined up with Andy Robertson to create a wonderful linkup play on the left. Robertson’s pinpoint delivery into the box found Sadio Mane whose accurate finish found the back of the net.
With a goal to their name, the Reds looked in no position to turn down their level of intensity. The visitors looked certain to score another to put the game beyond Arsenal’s reach, however, the very opposite happened in the following few minutes.
Virgil van Dijk, perhaps the most composed defender in world football at the moment, made a huge error when under pressure from Reiss Nelson. The Dutch centre-back back pass towards Alisson fell short and was pounced upon by Lacazette, who went around the Reds goalkeeper and scored the equalizer for his side.
Just as the first half neared its conclusion, Alisson was the culprit for gifting Arsenal their second goal of the night. The Brazilian’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Lacazette and the Frenchman squared the ball for Nelson. The Arsenal starlet coolly dispatched his strike into the left corner to give his side an unlikely lead.
The second half saw a great defensive showing by the Gunners against a Liverpool FC side that looked to turn the game back into their favour. David Luiz marshalled the hosts’ defence in fantastic fashion and kept the Reds’ attackers at bay.
A glorious chance fell the way of Mohammad Salah from a low cross delivered from the right by Arnold. The winger made a great shuffle to avoid Luiz’s tackle, however, Salah’s resulting shot was tipped over the crossbar by Martinez.
A great move initiated by Sadio Mane saw the Senegalese deliver an excellent cross towards Mohammad Salah. The Egyptian’s effort, however, was a tame one which was easily saved by Martinez.
An equalizer did not come Liverpool FC’s way despite their numerous attempts on goal. The defeat left the Reds with 93 points with two more games to play before the Premier League season concludes.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 1-3
Possession: Arsenal FC- 31.1% Liverpool FC- 68.9%
Yellow Cards: Arsenal FC- 3 Liverpool FC- 1
Shots: Arsenal FC- 3 Liverpool FC- 24
Offsides: Arsenal FC- 5 Liverpool FC- 4
