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Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have the bragging rights over Premier League champions Liverpool as the Gunners marched to a surprise 2-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp's side earlier today. Liverpool dominated large periods of the match but was able to score only one goal against a resolute Arsenal defence.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the away side but stupendous blunders from Liverpool behemoths Virgil van Dijk and Alisson handed Arsenal a shocking lead in the first half. Mikel Arteta's side held on to the narrow margin in the second half and saw out a morale-boosting victory.
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Arsenal and Liverpool engaged each other in an interesting battle in the opening stages to wrest control of the match. Emiliano Martinez had a massive scare in the 12th minute when Roberto Firmino closed him down and the resulting ricochet hit the post.
Liverpool did get a deserved goal a few minutes later with Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson combining beautifully to hand Sadio Mane the goal on a silver platter.
Arsenal equalised at the half-hour mark after an uncharacteristic howler from Virgil van Dijk gave Alexandre Lacazette the ball with only Alisson to beat. The goalkeeper was the guilty party just before half-time as the Brazilian gave the ball straight to Lacazette and Reiss Nelson finished the move with a precise finish.
Liverpool started the second-half with renewed intensity and was determined to get the equaliser. The Reds pressed Arsenal for large periods of the second half and the Gunners had to crowd their own half to deny Liverpool a second goal.
Arsenal was heavily focussed on defence in the second half and the Gunners' much-maligned defenders finally stepped up to the plate to pull off a few crucial interventions in the closing stages of the game. Liverpool had plenty of possession but created very few meaningful chances and will rue the errors that gifted Arsenal three valuable points today.
#5 Hit - Reiss Nelson, Arsenal
For a young player to score his first-ever Premier League goal against the reigning champions and arguably one of the best teams in the world is a truly memorable moment. Reiss Nelson partnered Lacazette well on the left of the front three and was rewarded in the first half.
The English youngster was a livewire in the final third and his enterprise resulted in Arsenal's equaliser in the first half. The winger forced Virgil van Dijk into a loose pass and effectively gifted Alexandre Lacazette a goal.
Lacazette returned the favour at the stroke of half-time and crossed the ball to an unmarked Reiss Nelson in the penalty area. The 20-year-old still had plenty of work to do and calmly stroked the ball into the back of the net to open his Premier League account.
#4 Flop - Alisson, Liverpool
Liverpool needed a strong response to exorcise the ghosts of Arsenal's opening goal and Alisson's blunder before half-time only sprinkled salt into Jurgen Klopp's wounds.
The Brazilian goalkeeper's life was made difficult by a challenging back-pass but he made make things easier for himself and chose the worst possible option. Alisson's loose pass was immediately snapped up by a prowling Alexandre Lacazette and the shot-stopper was left helpless as Reiss Nelson slotted in Arsenal's winner.
Alisson also had a tense moment on the ball in the second half but took no chances and cleared his lines without hesitation. The Brazilian has been incredible for Liverpool this season and will not be happy with his performance today.
Also Read: Who was the best defender in the Premier League 2019/20 season?
#3 Hit - Andrew Robertson, Liverpool
Most of Liverpool's dangerous attacking plays came through the side's left flank and Andrew Robertson was the arguably the only player that embodied Jurgen Klopp's spirit against Arsenal today.
The Scottish left-back had a good first-half and was the primary driving force behind Liverpool's goal. Robertson displayed his tenacious side by winning a difficult header in the midfield. The full-back then marauded up the pitch and put in an excellent cross that found Sadio Mane in the penalty area.
Andrew Robertson was Liverpool's best player alongside Sadio Mane in the second half and was his side's most potent attacking outlet. The defender found the Senegalese forward with an excellent lobbed pass but the move failed to result in a goal for Liverpool.
#2 Flop - Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's lynchpin in defence and is arguably the last Liverpool player that can be expected to make a mistake. The Dutch defender channelled his inner David Luiz in the first half and played a back-pass that threw the ball back into Arsenal's court.
Liverpool was the dominant force in the match prior to Lacazette's equaliser and Van Dijk's howler cost his side plenty of hard-earned momentum. The goal changed the course of the match and was a shot in Arsenal's arm.
The defender looked visibly tired in the second half and was unable to inspire his side to a victory against Arsenal. Liverpool has relied heavily on Virgil van Dijk this season and will hope that his error in judgement was a one-off incident.
#1 Hit - Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal
The accolades for doing wonders with the high press generally fall to Liverpool's superstars but Alexandre Lacazette mastered the craft for Arsenal today. The French striker was a tenacious presence in the final third and fought with the Liverpool defence for every loose ball.
Lacazette raced into the penalty area in the first half and latched on to Van Dijk's loose pass. The forward showed wonderful technique and composure to round Alisson with ease to slot the ball into the back of the net.
The Arsenal striker was also on hand to punish Liverpool for its second high-profile mistake of the night. Lacazette pounced on a terrible Alisson pass to square the ball for Reiss Nelson and cap off an excellent performance.
