da poker： The Italy midfielder ran the game on his first start in months, helping his side regain a foothold in the Premier League title race
da brdice： Four weeks ago, Arsenal hosted Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, created more than enough chances to win – and lost. A month later, the Reds were in town again and this time, they weren't so fortunate. Defeat here would've seen Arsenal slip eight points behind the Premier League leaders, but victory on Sunday means Mikel Arteta's side remain well in the hunt for the title as we move into the business end of the season.
Buoyed by a raucous Emirates crowd, the hosts began with purpose and deservedly took the lead through Saka. A deft Martin Odegaard pass sent Kai Havertz through but, in customary fashion, the German fluffed his lines. Thankfully for him, Saka was there to finish the rebound.
With the returning Jorginho pulling the strings, the hosts really should have doubled their tally before half-time. Instead, they would go into the break level, with a three-way mix-up involving William Saliba, David Raya and Gabriel resulting in an own goal for the latter.
But the shaky defending soon spread like a virus into the Liverpool ranks, too. Midway through the second half, some inexplicable miscommunication between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson provided the outstanding Gabriel Martinelli with the simplest of chances to score.
Liverpool mustered little in response and any hopes of a late stand were extinguished when Ibrahima Konate was dismissed for a second yellow card late on. Shortly after, Leandro Trossard raised the roof and sent his manager sprinting across his technical area, making absolutely sure of the three points by firing a deflected shot through Alisson's legs.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (5/10):
Nearly created a first-half opener with a lightning-quick release to Martinelli. Perhaps should have been more authoritative and prevented Liverpool's goal.
Ben White (7/10):
A strange booking for time-wasting sullied an otherwise brilliant first-half display. Remained a calming presence throughout.
Gabriel (6/10):
Scored a really messy own goal, but was Arsenal's best centre-back.
William Saliba (5/10):
Made a right mess of things in the build up to Liverpool's opener. Generally not up to his high standards, with a few sloppy moments creeping in.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Not massively involved in the first half, but was solid enough and kept the ball. Subbed at half-time.
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Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Deprived of an outstanding assist by Havertz's poor finishing. Very spritely around the penalty area.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Was everywhere in the first half, helping his side seize control of proceedings. Huge performance.
Jorginho (8/10):
A really impressive return to the starting XI for the first time in the league since November. He ran things, simple as that.
Getty ImagesAttack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Showed composure to give his side the lead, but should have converted Martinelli's cross before that.
Kai Havertz (5/10):
It wasn't all bad, with his dropping off creating some problems for Liverpool, but he's just not a striker. Muscled off the ball far too easily and his end product was severely lacking.
Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):
Caused Liverpool all manner of problems with his runs in behind. Benefitting from the Reds' incompetence was just reward for his work.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Jakub Kiwior (6/10):
Made it through the second half relatively unscathed. Could have done better with a headed chance late on.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Reminded the manager of his talents with a fine run and goal, though he was fortunate with the deflection.
Reiss Nelson (6/10):
Helped see the game out.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Absolutely the right call to restore Jorginho to the starting XI but keep Rice as his deepest midfielder. There were a few eyebrows raised when Kiwior came on at half-time, but he did fine and Arsenal won. A very pleasing day at the office.