• Match review

Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool: EPL Man of the Match and Player Ratings

Bukayo Saka at Arsenal
© Ace Football
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The Gunners clinched a massive Premier League victory on home soil.

Arsenal defeated Liverpool 3-1 in their Premier League game on Sunday. An excellent attacking display at Emirates closed the gap at the top of the Premier League standings.

What happened?

Liverpool waited for Arsenal’s wonderful start to fizzle out, but the Gunners only gained momentum through the first half. Following a lovely piece of buildup play, Bukayo Saka converted a blocked shot from Kai Havertz to put Arsenal ahead in the 14th minute. The Gunners had several other chances to increase their lead, but it was Liverpool who found a timely equalizer through Gabriel Magalhaes’ own goal just before the half-time whistle.

Liverpool made a few attempts to complete their comeback after the break, but Arsenal regained control over the possession again. Under pressure, Liverpool defenders made several deadly mistakes, one of them finally leading to Arsenal’s second goal. Gabriel Martinelli easily converted a confusing mix-up between Alisson and Virgil Van Dijk to make it 2-1 for the hosts in the 67th minute.

Liverpool failed to bounce back as they failed to contain Arsenal’s devastating attacks. Ibrahima Konate’s red card in the 88th minute effectively ended Liverpool’s hopes of mounting a late comeback. Leandro Trossard then put the icing on the cake for Arsenal as he scored his side’s third goal with a brilliant solo run in the extra time.

The crucial victory reduces Liverpool’s lead at the top of the EPL table to two points. The Gunners will take on West Ham at the London Stadium in their next league game.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Man of the Match

Martinelli deserves the Man of the Match title after another decisive display for the Gunners. In addition to scoring his side’s second goal, the Brazilian star effectively engaged in midfield battles throughout the game.

Player Ratings

Arsenal: Raya (5); White (7), Saliba (6), Gabriel (7), Zinchenko (6); Odegaard (7), Rice (7), Jorginho (7); Saka (7), Havertz (5), Martinelli (8).

Bench: Kiwior (7), Trossard (7), Nelson (6).

Liverpool: Alisson (5), Alexander-Arnold (5), Konate (5), Van Dijk (7), Gomez (5); Gravenberch (7), Mac Allister (8), Jones (5); Jota (6), Gakpo (6), Diaz (6).

Bench: Robertson (5), Elliot (5), Nunez (5), Thiago (5).

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