Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal by James Nalton at Anfield

LIVERPOOL turned on the style against top opposition again as they defeated a blunt Arsenal side by three goals to one.

Alexis Sanchez was dropped by Arsene Wenger but the Arsenal manager introduced the Chilean at half-time after a torrid first half for his side.

“The thinking was that we had to go more direct,” explained the Frenchman. “I wanted to play two players who are strong in the air, and after that to bring Alexis Sanchez on in the second half.” 

“I’m strong enough and lucid enough to analyse the impact. I don’t deny that Sanchez is a great player. I bought him and I always played him and I think he developed well with us. A decision like that is not easy to make but I have to stand up for it.”

Arsenal suffered in the opening period as Liverpool’s incessant pressing and attacking left them chasing shadows.

Roberto Firmino opened the scoring with his first in seven games, and the Brazilian set up Sadio Mane for their second after a good team move.

Sanchez’s introduction breathed some life into the Gunners. He assisted a goal for Danny Welbeck as the Liverpool defence looked threatened for the first time.

“What was good in our second half was our collective performance, and what was not good in our first half was our collective performance,” added Wenger.

“That’s for me a much more rational explanation than all the rest.”

Despite their improvement the visitors were unable to break down a stronger-looking Liverpool defence. The inclusions of Ragnar Klavan and Emre Can bolstered them in this regard. Adam Lallana’s tireless display epitomised everything which was good about the home side’s performance, and Jurgen Klopp believes that compactness played a key part.

“When we are compact it’s really nice to have Adam because he jumps out of the formation and triggers the press and sets the tone,” said Klopp.

“The problem is when we are not compact and he does the same, and he opens a gap for the opponent.

“Stability is the base for everything, we want to be stable so we worked really well on this together, and Adam — it’s nice to have him back in this role.”

Georginio Wijnaldum rounded off this important win, getting on the end of a perfect cross from substitute Divock Origi in injury time to make it 3-1.