Bukayo Saka’s double took Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League and to a statement 3-2 win over Liverpool, which left the home supporters dreaming of a title challenge and the visitors reeling in mid-table.
Arsenal had failed to score in their past six meetings with Liverpool and not beaten them since July 2020 but capitalised on another slow start from Jurgen Klopp’s men to go ahead after just 58 seconds on Sunday, when the excellent Gabriel Martinelli finished from Martin Odegaard’s through pass.
Darwin Nunez (34) deservedly hit back for a resurgent Liverpool but Arsenal finished the half how they started it, with Saka (45+4) tucking in Martinelli’s cross at the back post from a swift counter.
Sub Roberto Firmino (53) pulled Liverpool back level against the run of play at the start of the second half with an angled finish but it was Arsenal putting on the pressure by then and when Thiago Alcantara caught Gabriel Jesus on the calf, Saka (76) expertly converted from the penalty spot to put his side ahead for a third time in the match.
Liverpool pushed and pushed for yet another response and there was nervousness from the home side and their supporters but Arsenal clung on to impressively back up their north London derby win and extend their perfect league record at home to five matches this season.
Liverpool now sit 10th, a massive 14 points behind the table-topping Gunners, albeit with a game in hand. It’s a long, long way back into the title contest for them – if there is any way back – but nine games in it is Arsenal leading the way, a point clear from Manchester City.
