On Sunday afternoon, Arsenal visited Anfield to play against Liverpool in their Premier League encounter.
Liverpool has been going through a rough patch lately, with poor performances in recent weeks. They had not won any of their previous matches before facing the Premier League leaders.
Conversely, Arsenal has been in exceptional form, having almost an unbeatable record recently, and aimed to extend their lead at the top of the table by eight points over Manchester City with a victory in Merseyside.
Gabriel Martinelli’s strike gave Mikel Arteta’s side the best possible start, as they took the lead just eight minutes into the game.
The Brazilian capitalized on a big mistake from Virgil van Dijk, who failed to clear Martin Odegaard’s attempted through-ball to Bukayo Saka.
The Dutchman made a mess of his clearance though as it fell straight to the feet of Martinelli just outside the box.
The Brazilian accepted the gift as he carried the ball forward before poking the ball past Alisson Becker and into the back of Liverpool’s net.
It was a poor mistake by Van Dijk and you can watch the goal below…
VIDEO: Virgil van Dijk has shocker for Martinelli’s goal in Liverpool vs Arsenal
MARTINELLI! 🇧🇷
What a start! Arsenal LEAD at Anfield! 💪 pic.twitter.com/oZXQzciHkf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
وانت تشوف مقاطع لمالديني وتحاول تطبق اسلوبه
اول تمرين: pic.twitter.com/M95gycSEu7
— ىِزن (@MessiY10_) April 9, 2023
Twenty minutes after taking the lead, Arsenal managed to double their advantage, this time with a goal from Gabriel Jesus.
Granit Xhaka spotted Gabriel Martinelli’s run and delivered a well-timed pass to set him off down the left-wing.
Martinelli then produced a delightful cross into the box, which Jesus expertly headed into the back of the net, increasing Arsenal’s lead over Liverpool.
Jordan Henderson appeared dissatisfied with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s involvement in the goal and took the opportunity to talk to his teammate.
However, Liverpool managed to bounce back from the setback and cut the deficit just before half-time.
A smart build-up play featuring Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, and Jordan Henderson set up Mohamed Salah to tap the ball into the net from close range, getting Liverpool back into the game.
Mohamed Salah scores to make it Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
SALAH PULLS ONE BACK! 💥
Can Liverpool turn this around? pic.twitter.com/fviVncLvF6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
There were no further goals as Arsenal held a narrow lead going into the break.