Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League after defeating Liverpool 3-2 in an entertaining encounter on Sunday evening.
Premier League
Result: Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
Date: 09 October 2022
Venue: Emirates Stadium
The Gunners brought back the core of the regulars that was rested in their UEFA Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt, with Gabriel Jesus leading the attack.
The Reds meanwhile, named the same line-up that beat Rangers in the Champions League, as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah supported lone-striker Darwin Nunez upfront.
Arsenal had an ideal start with an opener within the first minute after an error by the Reds led to Gabriel Martinelli going through on goal from Martin Odegaard's defence-splitting pass and fired home a clinical strike.
Jurgen Klopp's charges were patient on the ball going forward, with the Gunners threatening to get behind their high defensive line.
Nunez eventually restored parity for Liverpool with 11 minutes to go before the half-time break after poking home an out-stretched shot from close range following a cross by Diaz.
The Reds were forced to make a change shortly before the interval after Diaz could not shake off a knock and he was replaced by Roberto Firmino.
Arsenal remained concentrated and were back in front in first-half stoppages after Saka tucked away a through ball by Martinelli from a counter-attack.
The game opened up again from the interval and Firmino levelled matters for Klopp's men eight minutes later with a strike across goal after a through ball by Jota.
Arsenal increased the intensity of their attacks, as they put Liverpool under tremendous pressure and Klopp made a surprising tactical change on 69 minutes as Salah made way for Fabinho.
Mikel Arteta's men were eventually awarded a penalty five minutes later after Jota shoved down Jesus in the box and Saka gave the home side lead once more with a low finish past goalkeeper Alisson and got his brace as well.
Arteta also made a tactical change in the last eight minutes as Kieran Tierney replaced Odegaard and the Gunners crowded their defensive third, as Liverpool advanced in search of the equaliser.
The Gunners managed to keep Liverpool at bay in the dying minutes with a high press, as they held on to the maximum points and restored a one point lead over second-placed Manchester City at the top of the log.
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