Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Jota and Firmino win it for Reds
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: Follow all the reaction and updates from the Emirates Stadium
The clash between Arsenal and Liverpool had big ramifications at the top of the Premier League table and it was Liverpool who moved within a point of Man City at the summit.
Liverpool keep winning, this 2-0 victory making it nine in a row in the Premier League, to also keep the initiative in this title race. Arsenal again failed to beat one of the elite sides.
There’s no harm in that given the quality of the opposition, and it doesn’t do much damage to their top-four chances, but the real pain will come from knowing how close they were.
Martin Odegaard had a great chance to put the Gunners ahead and give them what would have been a deserved lead. Alisson Becker saved, however, and Diogo Jota surged up the other end. Aaron Ramsdale didn’t show anything like the assurance of the Brazilian as he was beaten at his near post but Jota’s decent, but saveable, effort.
As if to hammer home the point, there was then a moment of real desire from Andy Robertson. Arsenal had just managed to clear a goalmouth scramble, only for the wing-back to chase down a lost cause, pinch the ball off a dithering Bukayo Saka and effectively win the game. He squared for Roberto Firmino, who gloriously flicked the ball in.
Follow the action as the Gunners take on Liverpool in the Premier League:
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Following Arsenal’s victory over Leicester City, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers named the Gunners goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, as England’s best current keeper.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responded to those word saying: "Thanks to Brendan for thinking that way. Aaron has to take those words to give him confidence. I’ve always said he’s been exceptional since the day we signed him."
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six games since a 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. They have won their last five league games scoring 10 goals and conceding just four times. Last time out they put it a confident performance to sweep Leicester City aside 2-0 and look ready for the challenge of Liverpool this evening.
For their part Liverpool have won their last eight league games and their only defeat of the calender year came in their Champions League last-16 second leg against Inter Milan. They lost 1-0 at Anfield but still won the tie on aggregate after a 2-0 victory away from home. Luis Diaz and Mo Salah both got on the scoresheet against Brighton in Liverpool’s last outing as they won 2-0 at the Amex stadium.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
There are two Premier League matches taking place tonight as Arsenal take on Liverpool and Tottenham head to Brighton. The north London rivals are both hoping to end the season in the Champions League spots and tonight could prove crucial for their chances..
The Gunners (4th) have an advantage both in terms of points, position, and have a games in hand but with Liverpool in their way tonight it could be an opportunity for Tottenham to make up some ground.
Spurs are six points below in eighth but will move level on points with West Ham if they beat Brighton tonight. On the other hand Arsenal would move to within five points of Chelsea if they beat Liverpool, having played a game less than the Blues.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp says that Arsenal will be taking a step in the right direction if they can finish in the top four and guarantee Champions League football this season. The Liverpool boss said:
Arsenal are a massive club. European qualification in the last few years was not exactly how they liked it, but [finishing in the] top four would be a step in the right direction.
"They are an exciting team. Since I’ve been here, Arsenal fans have not always enjoyed it but they are enjoying it now. That’s exactly how it is."
Jurgen Klopp adamant Mohamed Salah uncertainty won’t create disharmony at Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future will not create disharmony within the squad.
The Egypt international’s contract expires at the end of next summer and the club and his agent are currently at an impasse, with the £400,000-a-week deal reportedly being asked for way in excess of the existing pay structure.
Within a couple of hours of Klopp last week saying the future was in Salah’s hands, the player’s representative tweeted seven crying/laughing emojis.
But the Reds boss said there would be no issue with the player himself inside the dressing room.
“I don’t have to remind any player – and for sure not Mo – of that. No chance,” said Klopp.
Jurgen Klopp adamant Mohamed Salah uncertainty won’t create disharmony at Liverpool
The Egypt international’s contract expires at the end of next summer and the club and his agent are currently at an impasse
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp was asked for an update on Mo Salah’s foot injury after Liverpool’s talisman was subbed off the pitch in the win over Brighton.
"Mo is a tough cookie," said Klopp. "We were quite happy and lucky.
"It’s swollen, painful, but today less so. I got a message before the press conference that he’s ready to train. We’ll see how that looks."
In his pre-match press conference Klopp was also asked about Salah’s agent tweeting a bunch of laughing emojis after his recent comments on Liverpool’s contract negotiation with Salah but the Reds’ boss was placating with his response.
"I’m not on Twitter, so that’s another good reason for that," he said. "You got me in the trap and I created headlines. It’s all fine. I don’t know about any kind of reaction but I am not concerned. It is how it should be. The decisive parties are in contact."
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Mikel Arteta spoke in the build-up about facing Liverpool tonight and the Gunners boss says his team has to be at their very best to challenge the Reds tonight.
"We are facing arguably the best team in England and have to be at our best to beat them,” said Arteta, "You face a team that dominates every single aspect of the game, so when that happens, you have to be at your very best."
Arsenal vs Liverpool: Injuries and absentees
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training after a calf injury and will be assessed to see if he can feature tonight. Emile Smith Rowe has also recovered from illnes and is pushing for a start after coming on as a substitute during the win over Leicester.
Liverpool’s Mo Salah suffered a foot injury in the win over Brighton and will face a fitness test before the game. Ibrahima Konate is fit again but Kostas Tsimikas and James Milner are both out with illness.
Jurgen Klopp adamant Mohamed Salah uncertainty won’t create disharmony at Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future will not create disharmony within the squad.
The Egypt international’s contract expires at the end of next summer and the club and his agent are currently at an impasse, with the £400,000-a-week deal reportedly being asked for way in excess of the existing pay structure.
Within a couple of hours of Klopp last week saying the future was in Salah’s hands, the player’s representative tweeted seven crying/laughing emojis.
But the Reds boss said there would be no issue with the player himself inside the dressing room.
“I don’t have to remind any player – and for sure not Mo – of that. No chance,” said Klopp.
Jurgen Klopp adamant Mohamed Salah uncertainty won’t create disharmony at Liverpool
The Egypt international’s contract expires at the end of next summer and the club and his agent are currently at an impasse
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are playing some of their best football of the season and have the second best record in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
However, they’re up against the hottest ticket in town tonight with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool having won all eight of their league games since a 2-2 draw with Chelsea on New Year’s Day.
If the Gunners are victorious tonight it will be a sign of their progress under Arteta who is attempting to lead them back to the Champions League with a top four finish. They are currently fourth, just one point ahead of Manchester United, but could open up a four point lead on their nearest rivals with a win.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to capitalise on a slip up by league leaders Manchester City. City drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Monday night, opening the door for the Reds to cut their lead at the top to just one point. With a potentially title-deciding clash between the top two sides still to come Liverpool will be hoping to extend their winning run this evening and collect those vital three points.
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