Arsenal would have known deep down that this meeting with the Premier League leaders meant that Liverpool had the potential to effectively end their Premier League title challenge, and they celebrated the victory with enthusiasm. This may be due to the celebratory mood.
It may have been too early to declare this game a 'must win', but a loss would have left Liverpool and Arsenal with just one league defeat when they arrived at the Emirates. It was certainly a game we shouldn't have lost, as we ended up trailing by eight points. stadium.
And the groans heard throughout the stadium and the stunned looks on the faces of the players, moments after the Gunners had completed their impressive first-half effort by conceding a farcical equalizer to Liverpool seconds before the break, suggested that old fears had become reality. It suggested that it was about to happen. Also.
Especially in the first half, Arsenal pressed harder than Liverpool and returned to themselves the traits that made Jurgen Klopp's side so fearful.
Yet somehow Arsenal were unable to maintain their lead. It was a Liverpool fan who was singing during the break.
Did Arsenal almost get beaten by Liverpool again?
Instead, with the stakes so high, Arsenal showed character to overcome doubts and rebuild the team, aided by a terrible Liverpool defense that was clearly wrapped up in Liverpool's terrible performance, and a three-way title pursuit. was located in the center of
When the final whistle blew, Arsenal's joy knew no bounds. Why not?
Martin Odegaard grabbed his camera and captured Arsenal team photographer Stuart MacFarlane celebrating the victory. As the sound of victory echoed through the Emirates, it was a display of elation that showed just what this meant to the Gunners.
Who can blame Odegaard? One would think this was Arsenal's biggest moment of the season so far, given the cost of failure and the reward of success.
Arsenal are currently two points behind Liverpool, but their thrilling title race is looming large over reigning champions Manchester City, who will take the lead if they win their two games starting at Brentford on Monday. It's City.
But for now, Arteta's side will be thankful that the demons that might have returned after Bukayo Saka's early effort was leveled by an own goal from Gabriel were swiftly banished. Dew.
Arsenal were embarrassed by Liverpool's own defence, Virgil van Dijk's failure to react to a simple long ball, keeper Alisson's careless rush towards goal, and the outstanding Gabriel Martinelli who was held to a simple finish. Even better aided by air chutes.
As the visitors quieted down, Ibrahima Konate was sent off for a second yellow card for blocking Kai Havertz, and in stoppage time another terrible blunder from Alisson allowed Leandro Trossard to finish through his feet at the near post. did.
So, when the dust settled, Arsenal significantly reduced Liverpool's advantage and replaced the brief dip in despair during the interval after Gabriel's disastrous equalizer with renewed hope and optimism.
Arsenal's character can always be seen through the prism of past collapses, such as when they lost at home to West Ham after a good performance at Anfield and then suffered a demoralizing third place in the FA Cup after a disastrous defeat at Fulham. subject to the strictest scrutiny. – Round exit to Liverpool on Emirates.
The reaction was exactly as the manager had requested, with a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace and a 2-1 professional win over Nottingham Forest. But beating Liverpool, whose only league come-from-behind defeat against Tottenham on September 30 was controversial, is probably the best of any win this season given the circumstances, even after beating Manchester City here. It will have a greater meaning than that.
Martinelli was a catalyst on Arsenal's left wing with some thrilling performances. His effort, quality and willingness to pursue the cause under Van Dijk's command to the point of becoming too casual meant he deserved a goal, albeit a fortuitous one.
Another outstanding Arsenal player was Declan Rice. He has proven many times this season exactly why Arteta is willing to part with £105 million to sign the West Ham captain, and this time it was no different.
Rice wasted very little of his passes and was unparalleled in winning possession, giving the home team authority in midfield when they needed it most.
Arsenal's road to the title race is long and City will remain favorites – in fact, they may have been secretly happy with the result – but the Gunners fought for everything. , that scene of jubilation at the final whistle was completely understandable.