FA Premier League 

ARSENAL 3 ( Saka 14, Martinelli 67, Trossard 93)  

LIVERPOOL 1 (Gabriel og 45+3)

ARSENAL’S season is back-on after a pulsating victory against league leaders at the Emirates.

The Gunners outplayed Liverpool, as they had done for much of the last two games against them including the FA Cup defeat, but this time took the spoils.

Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli – back to his menacing best tonight – and Leandro Trossard ensured revenge was sweet.

The visitors could not cope with relentless pressing and were dominated in midfield, while failing to break down a rock solid-defence, other than one moment of madness.

After the match, Arteta said: “It was an extraordinary game, an incredible performance.

“The players put their heart and soul in to every single ball. I cannot praise them high enough.

“We conceded a really poor one, it really affected us at half time. But we modified it and controlled the game.

He added: “We have to go for it. The whole season is ahead of us.

“When we have that body language that attitude in the team we are really hard to beat.”

Arsenal’s recent January performances have been characterised by 0verly-controlled performances.

But Arteta said: “I don’t like the word control.  We can be chaotic and create issues for other teams.”

Arsenal dominated the first half and should really have had more to show than Saka’s goal – a calmly-taken rebound from a blocked Kai Havertz shot.

It looked like they could be punished for poor-shooting once again, when Gabriel turned in an own goal with his arm, deep into half time injury time.

David Raya did not come to collect a ball that was being shepherded towards him by William Saliba, and in the confusion – the ball was deflected in by the Arsenal number 6.

Liverpool had not had a shot on target up in the first half and, although looking dangerous on the break, had been under siege.

Unusually, almost all of Arsenal’s attacks came down the left side with Martinelli finding acres of space to latch on to long balls sprayed out from defence and Raya.

“Martinelli was a real threat,” said Arteta.

Arsenal’s first attack saw the Brazil winger race onto a raking pass from Raya and outstrip Konate before swinging in a great cross for Saka, whose header flopped wide.

The turning point came with another calamitous miscommunication between goalkeeper and defender – but this time, Allison and Virgil van Dijk.

The goalkeeper came out to hoof the ball but was put off by the run of the Liverpool captain, allowing Martinelli to sneak in and pass into an empty net.

It was Jurgen Klopp’s last visit to the Emirates after he announced he was quitting Anfield at the end of the season.

Few if any times over the years will will he have seen his side come up so second best.

Cody Gakpo had a great chance after beating the offside trap, before Havertz found himself clear through again.

His tame shot was saved but Saka had time to control the rebound and lift it over Allison.

Captain Martin Odegaard spurned another massive chance that came from impressive chasing down from Martinelli.

Declan Rice – playing alongside Jorginho – was commanding the midfield with his powerful runs and simple passes.

Arteta praised Jorginho’s intelligence saying he was “man of the match”, adding: “He has an inspiration to the dressing room.”

The second half began with Liverpool on the front foot and buoyed by their late goal, finding space.

But the pendulum swung back in the Gunners favour with a red card for Konate, who had been booked in the first half after pulling down Havertz when he was arguably the last man.

He was sent off for a second yellow on 88, after Havertz won another crafty foul.

Havertz had some poor efforts on goal.

But he did do well at holding up the ball and chasing down the defenders in the last 15.

The ever-reliable Trossard wrapped it up in injury time, firing through the legs of Allison and sending fans into dreamland.

It’s safe to say the Liverpool keeper will not be watching the highlights later tonight.

But Arsenal fans will be. Enjoy!

Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, White, Gabriel, Saka (Nelson 78), Odegaard, Martinelli (Trossard 74), Jorginho, Havertz, Zinchenko (Kiwior 45), Rice
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Soares, Elneny, Walters.

Liverpool: Allison, Gomez (Thiago 84), van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo (Nunez 57), Jota, Gravenback (Elliot 57), Arnold (Robertson 57).
Subs not used: Adrian, Kelleher, Clark, McMcConnell, Quansah.

Ref: Anthony Taylor

Attendance: 60374