- Arsenal stormed to a 3-1 win over title challengers Liverpool on Sunday night
- Goals from Bukayo Saka , Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard secured win
- Wanted by over 20 clubs around the world… where will Jesse Lingard end up? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off Transfer Week podcast
Arsenal reinstated their place in the Premier League title race after a thrilling 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side moved up to second in the table, two points behind the Reds, thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Liverpool did manage to find the back of the net through an own-goal from Arsenal defender Gabriel just before half-time, but it wasn’t enough for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The German boss could only watch on as his side came up second-best during the thrilling clash at the Emirates.
Here, Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel picks out some of the things you may have missed.
KLOPP SAW IT COMING
Jurgen Klopp clearly saw it coming. As Arsenal played through Liverpool’s press in the seconds before Bukayo Saka opened the scoring, Klopp began frantically shaking his head.
Ryan Gravenberch steamed towards the ball to leave a giant hole behind him that Arsenal ruthlessly exploited.
Klopp clearly spotted the danger a mile off – and let his players know about it, too, berating his team after Saka stroked home.
ARSENAL’S TOMIYASU BOOST
Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to report back to Arsenal’s training facility in Hertfordshire during the early part of this week following his return from Asia Cup.
Japan’s elimination to Iran on Saturday means the key defender will report for duty in the coming days with a view to being available for Sunday’s visit to West Ham.
It will also see Arsenal accelerate their plan to tie Tomiyasu down to a new long-term contract following positive discussions prior to his departure on international duty.
SALIBA’S SLIP-UP
Of William Saliba’s ability, one high-profile former Premier League defender who was at the City Ground to see Arsenal record a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last Tuesday night, told Mail Sport: ‘He’s got everything, that boy. But I’d like to see him use his body and strength a bit more.’ I’m not sure Saliba’s contribution to Liverpool’s equaliser was what said centre-back had in mind.
REDS HOPE TO RAID HAMMERS
As revealed by Mail Sport last week, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is among the contenders to fill a similar role at Liverpool ahead of next season following the departure of Jorg Schmadtke. And, intriguingly, if Liverpool do make their move then the expectancy is that Steidten would find it very difficult to turn the role down.
LIVERPOOL’S RETURNING STARS
On more of positive note for Liverpool following a bitter blow here at the Emirates Stadium, the walking wounded are returning at just the right time. Thiago Alcantara made his first appearance since May here coming on as a late substitute after fully recovering from a hip injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start since the start of January following a knee problem while Andy Robertson continued his comeback from injury with a third substitute appearance following shoulder surgery.
FORMER GUNNERS WATCH ON
Oliver Giroud and Theo Walcott must have liked what they saw. The former Arsenal strike pairing returned to north London as special guests for the clash against Liverpool. Unsurprisingly they left their former stomping ground wearing wide smiles.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
