Liverpool progressed to the the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to an own goal from Jakub Kiwior and a goal from Luis Diaz in this top of the table cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Here are five things we learned from the game
Three defeats in a row for Arsenal
Arsenal have now suffered three defeats in a row in all competitions, and in doing that are winless in four. Things have gone a little stale for Mikel Arteta’s men. Not only are they five points behind today’s opponents, but they are also out of the FA Cup as another opportunity for a trophy slips through their fingers. Arsenal now have two weeks to work on their wretched run of form as they return to action on the 20th January, at home to Crystal Palace.
In the meantime, there will be a clammer for fresh faces through the door as the January transfer window deadline ticks down. The lack of goals has been an obvious worry, and a new striker could be on top of the to-do list for the remainder of the month.
Arsenal lacked a finishing touch
Gabriel Jesus was sidelined with a minor injury, and Eddie Nketiah was named on the bench so Kai Havertz was given the nod up front. Much like their 2-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League, Arsenal created plenty of chances, but were wasteful in front of goal. Goalkeeper Alisson was sharp to keep out a rasping drive from Ben White, and Martin Odegaard crashed the crossbar, but Arsenal have been lacking in front of goal of late.
That theme continued in this FA Cup clash, perhaps highlighting the need for a new striker this month. Jesus’ injury is said to be not serious, but Nketiah was not brought on until the 81st minute, once Arsenal were a goal down. Arsenal have just two goals in their last four games, which is not form needed for a team in the title race.
Liverpool are on for a domestic treble
Top of the Premier League, into a Carabao Cup semi-final and knocking out a fellow giant in the FA Cup. Whisper is quietly, Liverpool have a chance of winning the treble this season. They currently have a three point lead at the top of the Premier League, and will fancy their chances over a two-legged semi-final with Fulham to reach the Carabao Cup final.
This was a statement win for Liverpool, on away soil. Just a couple of weeks after the two sides drew 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League. Unlike Arsenal, Liverpool now have to rest and recover quickly as they host Fulham in their first leg at Anfield on Wednesday. Manchester City have been boosted with the return of Kevin De Bruyne, but for now Liverpool lead the way, and they are going strong.
Gutsy second half from Liverpool
It is fair to say Liverpool were below par in the first half. Arsenal had the better of the action, with Liverpool passive and finding it hard to create chances. It was a different story in the second half, Liverpool, who were without Mohamed Salah ramped up the pressure and moved Diaz to the right hand side, Darwin Nunez occupied the left, and Cody Gakpo played down the middle. Jota replaced Gakpo and Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield.
The chances started to flow for Klopp’s side, with Jota and Diaz coming close, the former hitting the crossbar. From there it looked like Liverpool were the only side capable of winning the game, and they got their rewards. No Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai or Salah but Liverpool went to the Emirates and conquered.
Out the cups, what next for Ramsdale?
David Raya has been getting the nod ahead of Aaron Ramsdale this season, with the latter filling in goal in the domestic cups. Now Arsenal are out of both the FA Cup and the Caraboa Cup, game-time is looking incredible thin for the English shot-stopper. Raya will not be eligible to play when Brentford come to the Emirates, but Ramsdale will have to work extra hard in training to impress Arteta. A move has been in question for Ramsdale during January, but Arsenal are unwilling to sell, or loan. With the Euros coming up, it is crucial Ramsdale gets minutes.
