Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday through second half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
Jurgen Klopp’s team continued their unbeaten run against London clubs this season with a fifth victory in six matches, thanks to a rejuvenated attack and a man-of-the-match performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
James Milner and Fabinho both screwed their shots wide as Liverpool started the better side. The visitors camped in Arsenal’s half with waves of attack but their best opportunity was a tame Saido Mane header which was saved by Bernd Leno, the Arsenal goalie.
Milner again dragged another shot inches wide following excellent wing play from Alexander-Arnold who cut the ball back for the veteran. It was the final — and best chance — of the first half.
In the second half, the Reds continued from where they left off with Salah’s shot from inside the area blocked by Gabriel, but Arsenal responded with Cedric Soares’ shot that was comfortably held by Alisson Becker, Liverpool goalkeeper.
Jota, Liverpool’s biggest threat this season, came on for Andy Robertson on the hour and the Portuguese winger delivered the goods four minutes later with a header from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a cross.
Liverpool doubled their advantage three minutes later through Salah, who latched on to Fabinho’s defence-splitting pass before slipping the ball through Leno’s legs.
Jota completed his brace as Arsenal crumbled under Liverpool’s attacking weight.
It is Liverpool’s third consecutive away win this season and the first victory at the Emirates in five years.
10-man Chelsea battered at home, Man City open a 17-point lead
Chelsea succumbed to a 5-2 loss at home to West Bromwich Albion following a 29th-minute red card to Thiago Silva, their 36-year-old experienced defender.
The Blues led through Christian Pulisic’s goal two minutes before Silva’s dismissal but then crumbled against the run of play. Matheus Pereira lobbed Edouard Mendy, Chelsea goalkeeper, for the first and slotted in the second from Mbaye Diagne’s cross to complete his brace before halftime.
The Baggies took a 4-1 lead with further goals from Diagne and Callum Robinson before Mason Mount reduced the deficit in the 71st minute. Robinson made it five for West Brom in added time much to the delight of Sam Allardyce, who had his feet up in the dugout, enjoying a rare comfortable victory.
Allardyce’s relegation-threatened team are still seven points from safety in 19th place while Chelsea’s fourth position is under threat with Liverpool and West Ham United lurking in the shadows.
Man City, however, are on their way to becoming the champions this season following a 2-0 win over Leicester City, leaving them with a 17-point gap at the top of the table. Second half goals from Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus earned Pep Guardiola’s side a comfortable win as they continue their charge towards a possible four titles this season.
RESULTS
Chelsea 2-5 West Bromwich Albion
Leeds United 2-1 Sheffield United
Leicester City 0-2 Manchester City
Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool
By Jonathan Ledger/TheCable
