Arsenal cut Liverpool’s advantage at the top of the English Premier League to two points after registering a deserved victory in a tight game at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners knew defeat was inconceivable, and their case was much aided by Liverpool’s normally reliable goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffering a nightmare in which two blunders awarded Arsenal the goals that secured three crucial points. Arsenal made the Premier League title race more exciting and thrilling by defeating underwhelming leaders Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday night.
It sparked joyful scenes at the final whistle as the Gunners handed Liverpool only their second league defeat of the season, their first since a very controversial loss to Tottenham in late September. After securing a much-needed win, Arsenal now sits second with 49 points to Liverpool’s 51, both clubs having played 23 games. Reigning Champions Manchester City, who play Brentford on Monday at Gtech Community Stadium, have 46 points from 21 games.
Arsenal’s lightning start was rewarded when Bukayo Saka scored an early opener in the 14th minute, turning in a rebound after Alisson saved from Kai Havertz. A defensive shamble allowed Liverpool to equalize seconds before halftime, with Gabriel putting the ball into his own net with his hand following a mix-up between keeper David Raya and William Saliba as they challenged Luis Diaz.
Liverpool gained momentum after the break, with Alexis MacAllister going close twice before the Gunners took advantage of another terrible mix-up, this time between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, to reclaim the lead after 67 minutes. Alisson sprinted out of his goal and kicked fresh air as Van Dijk attempted to deal with a long clearance, leaving Gabriel Martinelli with the simplest of finishes into an empty net.
Liverpool’s misery was exacerbated in the closing stages when defender Ibrahima Konate was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Havertz, before substitute Leandro Trossard added a third in stoppage time, with Alisson once again failing to save a routine shot and allowing the ball to settle into the net through his legs at the near post.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defeated West Ham United 3-0 to climb above the visitors into sixth place in the standings. Teenager Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for the home side while Rasmus Hojlund scored one on his 21st birthday. Erik ten Hag’s team now have 38 points after 23 games, eight adrift of fourth spot.
