On Sunday, Liverpool scored twice in stoppage time to secure a 2-0 victory against Arsenal, despite the Gunners’ relentless attack. The result was a stunning advancement to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
The highlight of Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield by holders Manchester City—a moment that Kevin De Bruyne had been waiting for—was overshadowed by Liverpool’s tenacious triumph in the thrilling third-round matchup at the Emirates Stadium.
Until Jakub Kiwior, a Polish defender, knocked Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick into his own goal with 10 minutes remaining, Jurgen Klopp’s team rode their luck for lengthy periods as Arsenal squandered a succession of opportunities.
The smash-and-grab attack was completed by Luis Diaz in stoppage time.
The Premier League leaders struck a psychological blow on one of their primary championship challengers, Arsenal, with Liverpool’s first FA Cup victory against them since the 2001 final. It was a monumental occasion.
Unexpectedly, Arsenal have lost their past six games in all competitions, with only one victory. This setback has eliminated them from the FA Cup and League Cup, and they are currently five points behind Liverpool in the championship battle.
With a win that might launch Liverpool’s pursuit of four trophies, Klopp’s jubilant celebration after the final whistle seemed understandable.
After a 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal in December, the Reds will play Fulham in Wednesday’s opening leg of the League Cup semi-final and go to the round of 16.
Since Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo are both representing their countries in the African Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup, respectively, Klopp substituted Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliot for them.
However, Arsenal dominated the first half due to Liverpool center defender Virgil Van Dijk’s unavailability due to illness.
The Gunners deserved a reward for their energetic start, but midfielder Martin Odegaard sent a 12-yard strike crashing against the bar.
Ben White’s resounding shot from just inside the area forced an outstanding tip-over from Alisson Becker as Arteta’s men were ruthlessly cutting Liverpool apart.
Havertz squandered two excellent chances in rapid succession, and Arteta had to have been worried that Arsenal would pay the price.
A shot from Bukayo Saka from a dangerous position frustrated Arteta, and Alisson saved a deflected cross from Kai Havertz with a fingertip save.
Luis Diaz’s snap shot was superbly stopped by Ramsdale as Liverpool finally came to life, and Diogo Jota struck the woodwork.
In the 80th minute, Kiwior headed a corner from Alexander-Arnold into his own net. In the last seconds of stoppage time, Diaz scored the winning goal after receiving a feed from Jota and firing a 10-yard shot.