Arsenal, who had won their last five league games, had
arguably dominated the first half, but the game tipped decisively early in a
frenetic second half as Liverpool extended their own relentless run to nine
straight wins.
Their breakthrough came just minutes after a misplaced
backpass had almost gifted Arsenal a goal, when Portuguese Diogo Jota got ahead
of the London side's defence on 54 minutes to beat goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at
his near post.
The result was effectively sewn up eight minutes later by
Roberto Firmino who squeezed his finish under the Arsenal goalkeeper again
after his side had twice failed to clear the ball from their box.
𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 ✊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 16, 2022
GET IN, REDS! pic.twitter.com/tUMlzCAd4J
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have been pleased with his
side's sharp performance, if not the result, as they remain in a top-four,
Champions' League spot, one point ahead of Manchester United and with two games
in hand.
"They really raised the level today but unfortunately
games are won in the boxes," he told reporters. "We opened the door
and they went to that door and scored two goals."
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp was visibly delighted after
the game that his side secured the win and ratcheted up the pressure on City
who they play in just over three weeks' time.