Mikel Arteta calls for Arsenal to keep a lid on their emotions at Anfield
The latest test of Arsenal’s title credentials in the Premier League sees them head to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s team have habitually been far and away the superior side in recent seasons, both in head-to-head encounters and in terms of chasing silverware, but it’s a total reversal this time around with the Gunners fighting for honours and the Reds miles off the pace.
A draw in midweek made it four without a win for Liverpool, including defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Klopp rang the changes in the Reds’ lineup for that game with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the team. They sit eighth in the table, now 13 points off the top four after yesterday’s results.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have won six in a row to stay sustain a cushion over Man City at the top – but there’s still little room for error if they want to end a near-two-decade wait to be crowned champions, as Pep Guardiola’s men moved back within five points by thumping Southampton earlier in the weekend.
Follow all the action from Anfield with our live blog, below:
Ben White booked
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal – 23 mins
There’s a feeling that Arsenal could kill this game off with some concerted effort over the next 10 or 15 minutes. Alisson hoofs an aimless long ball in the direction of Henderson but it’s easily intercepted.
Ben White then gets himself booked though. He gives the ball away in attack and is over-eager to regain possession, lunging in on Henderson with two feet and taking the man. Yellow card the right call
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:55
Robertson flashes a shot wide
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal – 20 mins
That’s better pressing from Liverpool and Robertson nicks the ball away. Fabinho then finds Robertson with a ball over the top as he slips in behind White but flashes his shots wide of the far post, as Ramsdale sprawls to his left.
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:52
Arsenal on top
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal – 18 mins
Arsenal have been the better side so far and deserve their lead. Cross-field balls keep probing Liverpool’s defence and the Reds don’t look comfortable playing out from the back – it’s very clumsy.
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:50
Arsenal celebrate scoring the opening goal
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:49
SAVE! Alisson tips away Zinchenko’s shot
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal – 11 mins
Arsenal create another chance as Zinchenko cuts in from the left and fires at goal. Alisson springs to his right to tip the ball wide. Comfortable enough but another warning sign.
From the corner, Jesus is pinged for a foul on Alisson
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:45
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal (Martinelli 8’)
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal – 8 mins
What a start for Arsenal!
Saka loses his man on halfway and receives the ball from White. He drives forward and flicks the ball inside to Odegaard, whose first-time pass deflects off Van Dijk and Martinelli collects, takes a touch and pokes past the out-rushing Alisson. Superb play by Arsenal’s midfield creators
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:40
Gakpo curls over the top
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal – 6 mins
A sighter for Gakpo as he cuts back and charges in from the left away from Ben White. Tries to curl one into the top corner but it’s high and wide. Promising for Liverpool though
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:38
A frenetic, high-energy opening
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal – 5 mins
Jota makes good ground down the left but stumbles as he enters the area and loses the ball. A slightly frenetic opening to proceedings
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:37
Martinelli skips past Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal – 2 mins
Early joy for Arsenal as Martinelli runs at Alexander-Arnold and skips by him to the by-line. Xhaka’s shot eventually blocked away for a corner and Liverpool counter.
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:33
KICK-OFF! Liverpool vs Arsenal
Underway at Anfield. Liverpool in red and Arsenal playing in black
Luke Baker9 April 2023 16:32
