FA Premier League

ARSENAL 0
LIVERPOOL 2 (Jota 54, Firmino 62)

AN hour of high-intensity football from Arsenal was undone by a brief spell in which the visitors scored two goals.

Diego Jota netted against the run of play, beating Aaron Ramsdale at his near post.

It was a rare mistake from the keeper and fans’ favourite who has saved Arsenal so many times this season.

Then Roberto Firmino flicked in minutes later after a chaotic passage of play from the home side.

It was deflating. Arsenal had been by far the better side, albeit without having a decent chance on goal, and the atmosphere had been raucous.

The two goals killed the game with the Arsenal players looking spent after exerting such energy in the first half.

But crucially many fans are happy again and are behind this young, quick and battling side.

The Gunners’ newfound desire was epitomised tonight by Gabriel Martinelli whose tricks and direct runs delighted the crowd.

Liverpool started the match winning three corners in the first three minutes. but after that the Gunners dominated.

Mikel Arteta’s tactics were raking passes out to Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to race on to.

Martin Odegaard was playing like a man possessed, chasing down everything and waving on his team mates.

At one point, Alexandre Lacazette out muscled the giant Virgil van Dijk to win a loose ball. It didn’t lead to anything but it kept up the buzz around the ground.

Martinelli showed fantastic energy and was a menace down the left wing. He sent the fans wild with a carousel of flicks to keep control of the ball.

In the second half he switched into full entertainer mode with a joyous nutmeg on Henderson and race down the line.

He cut back, but Odegaard was a few paces off what would have been a killer pass.

Arsenal’s best chance came when Lacazette rounded Alisson but could not shoot. He cut back to Odegaard who was facing two defenders on the line and a stranded keeper.

But his shot struck Alisson’s arm and deflected away harmlessly.

Sadio Mane had a great chance just before the whistle. He scored one minute after the restart but was judged offside.

The question was whether Arsenal could keep up the relentless pressure and they looked tired going into half time.

And they did look very leggy around the hour mark. Liverpool sensed a drubbing.

Emile Smith Rowe came on but still looks a little injured.

The game was gone but Arsenal are still in pole position in the race for fourth.

Arsenal: Ramsdale, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Soares, Xhaka, Partey, Saka (Pepe 74), Martinelli, Odegaard (Smith Rowe 67), Lacazette.

Subs not used: Leno, Holding, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Nketiah, Swanson

Liverpool: Alisson, Robertson, Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Thiago (Jones 87), Fabinho, Henderson, Mane, Jota (Firmino 57), Diaz (Salah 57).

Subs not used: Kelleher, Konate, Keita, Gomez, Chamberlain, Minamino.