Liverpool vs Arsenal live: Reds record emphatic 3-1 victory as Gunners suffer yet another decisive setback

Follow the latest from the Premier League clash at Anfield

Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring Liverpool's opening goal against Arsenal (Getty)

Liverpool overtook Arsenal to jump into third place in the Premier League table after recording an emphatic 3-1 victory over Arsene Wenger's side, with the biggest talking point being his decision to leave Alexis Sanchez out of the starting line-up only to go 2-0 down before half-time. Re-live the action here.

• Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-1
• Reds take the lead through ninth-minute strike from Roberto Firmino
• Sadio Mane doubles the advantage midway through the first half
• Wenger sent Sanchez on at half-time to try and claw back the match
• Sanchez set-up Danny Welbeck to score shortly after
• Georginio Wijnaldum completes scoring with counter-attack in final minute
• Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Klavan, Matip, Milner, Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Coutinho, Mane, Firmino.
• Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Xhaka, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Welbeck, Giroud.

Follow the live action below...

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Preview...

​Liverpool will hope to bounce back from defeat when they host Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday night.

Jurgen Klopp's side were abysmal in Monday's reverse at struggling Leicester City, but they have only tended to struggle when against Premier League's lesser lights.

The last time Arsenal were in action, Wayne Shaw was still Sutton United's reserve goalkeeper. It's been almost a fortnight without a competitive fixture for Arsène Wenger's men.

What time is kick-off?

The match will kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday 4 March at Anfield.

Where can I watch it?

It will be shown live on BT Sport 1, with coverage starting at 5.00pm.

It’s a big game for…

Jurgen Klopp: The German admitted after Liverpool's defeat by Leicester that matters are “getting more serious now”, arguing that his own future could be on the line should his side’s poor run of form continue. Klopp knows how whimsical football can be and as the Reds continue to dwell outside of the top four, the spotlight has subsequently turned to him.

Still, Liverpool’s form against the league’s top teams bodes well (they’re currently unbeaten against their top-six rivals) and if Klopp’s men can brush aside Arsenal on Saturday, victory will bring some much-needed relief to Anfield following a difficult couple of weeks for the club.

Remember when…

The Gunners were humiliated 5-1 at Anfield in 2014? Goals from Martin Skrtel, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge fired the home side to an impressive victory against a lifeless-looking Arsenal side.

Player to watch…

Philippe Coutinho: The Brazilian was perhaps Liverpool’s only consistent attacking threat in the side’s 3-1 defeat on Monday night. His goal was not enough to provoke a fight back from the visitors but it showcased his ability to create something out of a seemingly lost cause. Should Liverpool find themselves with their backs against the wall on Saturday, Coutinho could be the man who Anfield subsequently turns to.

Coutinho celebrates scoring Liverpool's only goal against Leicester (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Past three meetings…

Arsenal 3 Liverpool 4
Premier League, August 2016

Liverpool 3 Arsenal 3
Premier League, January 2016

Arsenal 0 Liverpool 0
Premier League, August 2015

Predicted line-ups…

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Lallana, Can; Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho.

Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Gibbs; Ramsey, Xhaka; Walcott, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sanchez.

Form guide…

Liverpool: LWLDLL

Arsenal: WLWLLW

Odds…

Odds provided by 888.com

Liverpool to win: 28/25

Arsenal to win: 13/5

Draw: 49/20

[4 March 2017 17:14 · Joe Miles]

Following some questionable refereeing in our earlier kick-off's, let's hope that this game remains without any controversy surrounding the officials. Nonetheless, I'm sure with a game of such importance that tempers will be flaring and the tackles will be flying.   

[4 March 2017 17:20 · Joe Miles]

It appears that Sanchez is sidelined, as Giroud and Welbeck are more direct and strong in the air. It's a controversial decision from the boss, especially with speculation surrounding the Chilean strikers future at the club. The 28-year-old carries a presence when he's on the field for Arsenal, that can arguably not be replicated. However, this could be Wenger's bid to prove his managerial ability with a brave risk. 

Only time will tell...

[4 March 2017 17:30 · Joe Miles]

WE ARE OFF!

Arsenal kick-off to get the first half underway. Game on!

[4 March 2017 17:33 · Joe Miles]

3 MINS

Firmino attempts a back pass to Milner, but it's intercepted by Oxlade-Chamberlain - corner kick to Liverpool. 

Both sides are battling to assert an early dominance over their opponent.

[4 March 2017 17:34 · Joe Miles]

4 MINS

Arsenal bomb forward with Oxlade-Chamberlain leading the attack. He finds Bellerin on the right, but the cross into the box is dealt with by Matip. It looks although The Gunners could be dangerous on the counter attack today.

[4 March 2017 17:36 · Joe Miles]

6 MINS

Coutinho goes to ground after a clash with Coquelin. The Arsenal man goes into the challenge with his foot high and his studs raised - he's lucky to escape without a yellow card.

[4 March 2017 17:41 · Joe Miles]

9 MINS

GOAL

LIVERPOOL 1 - 0 ARSENAL

It's the perfect start for Liverpool, with Firmino scoring the opener to put the pressure on Arsenal in the early stages of the fixture. 

Mane delivers a drilled ball into the box, the Brazilian receives it, takes a touch and slots it past Cech. 

[4 March 2017 17:42 · Joe Miles]

12 MINS

Arsenal's response to the opener will be crucial, as a goal this early can sometimes prove pivotal. The visitors look laced with errors, but going forward they look strong so they are far from out of it. I'm sure Wenger is feeling incredibly uncomfortable right now.

[4 March 2017 17:46 · Joe Miles]

15 MINS

Arsenal are knocking the ball about well, but Liverpool look energetic and are hunting down possession relentlessly. 

Klopp's men look more dangerous going forward, with the likes of Can, Mane and Firmino in particular causing problems.

[4 March 2017 17:48 · Joe Miles]

18 MINS

Matip delivers the ball wide to Firmino, who lays the ball to Coutinho on the edge of the box. It looks although he is going to go for goal, but instead his attempted pass goes astray.