X erupts with reactions as errors-turned-comedy determine Arsenal's triumphant win against Liverpool

05 February 2024 2928
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In the beginning of this season, Mauricio Pochettino accurately stated that 'Football is a game of mistakes.' His Chelsea team reflects this statement, alongside Arsenal and Liverpool, who each made a host of errors in their match on Sunday afternoon.

In a chaotic game, Arsenal emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, boosting their hopes for the Premier League title.

The first goal from Bukayo Saka ensured that Arsenal has made the first goal in their four most recent league matches against Liverpool. This is the first time since 1970 that Arsenal achieved this feat in this specific fixture.

Despite the boisterous atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal well deserved their early lead, pushing back against Liverpool with a unified press. The Gunners had previously shown the same vigour against Liverpool in the FA Cup last month but failed to capitalize in front of the goal.

Kai Havertz failed to demonstrate his usual ruthlessness. The German, replacing the injured Gabriel Jesus, received Martin Odegaard's beautifully cushioned pass but weakly nudged the ball into Alisson's chest. Luckily for the Gunners, Saka was there to capitalise on the rebound and put Arsenal in the lead.

Contrary to their initial success in gaining the lead against Liverpool, Arsenal struggled to maintain this upper hand.

As the first half drew to a close, Arteta's team was fully in control, not allowing Liverpool a single shot on target. However, Liverpool managed to tie the game just before half time.

Indeed, William Saliba's anticipation of a pass over the top by Luis Diaz and David Raya's failure to control the ball allowed Diaz to score, equalizing the game.

The ironic coincidence of Arsenal conceding a goal from a handball owing to an unpunished offense by Odegaard in the reverse league fixture at Anfield drew some laughter from spectators.

As Liverpool improved their game, it seemed contagious clumsiness plagued both sides, with a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson leading to Arsenal's second goal.

Gabriel's aimless long punt resulted in Liverpool's two seasoned players missing coordination. While Van Dijk was busy clashing with Gabriel Martinelli, Alisson came off his line only to miss the ball. Martinelli quickly took advantage of their error to score Arsenal's second goal.

Towards the end, Ibrahima Konate received a second yellow card for foolishly reacting to Havertz, but this was not enough to distract from the blunder committed by Van Dijk and Alisson.

Klopp's substitutions, so often the deciding factor this season - not least on Liverpool's last visit to the Emirates - shoehorned Diaz into an unfamiliar right-back position for the closing stages. The natural winger couldn't contain Leandro Trossard as the Arsenal sub wriggled down a spartan left flank deep into stoppage time. Van Dijk shuffled across but could only get a toe to Trossard's low thump which sent it scuttling between Alisson's open legs.

Chaos football is back! And Arsenal are all the better for it. Some outstanding individual performances - Jorginho the master of control, Rice a force in midfield, Martinelli's indefatigable running, and shouts too for excellent sub appearances from Trossard and Kiwior. #AFC 🔥

Will be interested to see how this episode plays out in the documentary

Arsenal's victory sends them two points behind league-leaders Liverpool with 15 games of the season left to play. Although, Manchester City are only three points further back with two games in hand.

 


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