In a tҺrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s Italian midfielder made a significant impact in his first start in months. With an outstanding performance, he played a pivotal role in helping his team regain ground in the Premier League title race. The match began with Arsenal showing great determination and energy, fueled by the passionate support of the Emirates crowd. They took the lead through Saka, who pounced on a rebound after a well-placed pass from Martin Odegaard to Kai Havertz, despite the latter failing to convert the chance.
With the return of Jorginho orchestrating the midfield, Arsenal had multiple opportunities to increase their advantage before halftime. However, they went into the break level after a mix-up between William Saliba, David Raya, and Gabriel resulted in an own goal. The defensive struggles spread to Liverpool as well, and midway through the second half, a miscommunication between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson gifted Gabriel Martinelli a simple opportunity to score. Liverpool struggled to mount a comeback, and their hopes were further dashed when Ibrahima Konate received a second yellow card and was sent off.
In the final stages of the game, Leandro Trossard secured the victory for Arsenal with a deflected shot that slipped through Alisson’s legs. The goal triggered jubilant celebrations from the manager as it confirmed the three points for Arsenal. This win was crucial for Arsenal’s aspirations of winning the title, as it prevented them from falling eight points behind the league leaders. With this impressive performance, Arsenal remаins firmly in contention for the Premier League title as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Martin Odegaard (7/10): Poor finishing by Havertz cost him an incredible assist. Quick around the penalty area.
Declan Rice (7/10): Was everywhere in the first half, helping his team take control. Huge show.
Jorginho (8/10): A remarkable return to the league starting XI since November. He ran things simply.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Played well to give his team the lead, but should have converted Martinelli’s cross first.
Kai Havertz (5/10): His drop-off caused Liverpool problems, but he’s not a striker. He muscled off the ball too readily and had poor end product.
Gabriel Martinelli (8/10): He caused Liverpool several issues with behind-lines runs. Taking advantage of the Reds’ incompetence was fair pay.
David Raya (5/10): Swiftly passed to Martinelli nearly opened the scoring in the first half. Perhaps should have intervened to stop Liverpool’s goal.
Ben White (7/10): A weird time-wasting penalty ruined a great first half. Was calm throughout.
Gabriel (6/10): He was Arsenal’s finest centre-back despite a nasty own goal.
William Saliba (5/10): Makes a mess before Liverpool’s opener. Few sloppy instances, but generally less than his high standards.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10): Mostly inactive in the first half, but kept the ball. Halftime substitution.
Jakub Kiwior (6/10): Survived the second half. A late headed opportunity would have helped.
Leandro Trossard (7/10): Though lucky with the deflection, reminded the management of his skills with a good run and goal.
Reiss Nelson (6/10):
Mikel Arteta (8/10): Correct to reinstate Jorginho in the starting lineup but keep Rice as his deepest midfielder. At halftime, Kiwior was questioned, but he played well and Arsenal prevailed. A great workday.