Premier League: Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal 2-0

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England: Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates moves the Reds to within a single point of the league leaders, and all roads now lead to the Etihad Stadium next month.

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It could be the showdown to end all showdowns. It is nights like this, weeks like this, which can shift the momentum decisively.

After City stuttered at Crystal Palace on Monday night, Jurgen Klopp’s side knew they had to take full advantage, and they did.

They’ve won their last nine league games now, eating up a deficit that stood at 14 points (albeit with games in hand) just seven weeks ago.

It was a game that turned sharply in a 12-minute spell after half-time.

The Merseysiders are just one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino at the Emirates.

Liverpool had looked lethargic throughout the opening 45 minutes, and when Thiago Alcantara left a backpass short just five minutes after break, it looked like they were about to pay the price for their sloppiness.

But when you have the best goalkeeper around, you always have a chance, and Alisson Becker, as he so often does, bailed his team out when they needed him.

He stood big to close down the angle on Alexandre Lacazette and then, when the ball was fed to Martin Odegaard, spread himself superbly to turn the Norwegian’s effort over the bar.

The visitors, suddenly, could breathe again.

At that point, the wayward backpass had been Thiago’s biggest contribution to proceedings, but he would make a proper one within a few minutes, sliding a perfect ball through for Diogo Jota, whose powerful strike caught Aaron Ramsdale out at his near post.

The goalkeeper should have done much better, but Jota won’t care; he has eight goals in six Liverpool appearances against the Gunners, and five in his last three at the Emirates.

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