Jakub Kiwior’s own goal and a late Luis Diaz strike gave Liverpool victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup third-round tie at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal paid the price for missing a host of opportunities and were punished as Liverpool grew increasingly dangerous, the deadlock broken when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick glanced in off Kiwior’s head with seven minutes left.
Colombia winger Diaz then made sure of the Reds’ progress with a breakaway goal in the last minute of added time.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the first half, with Martin Odegaard hitting the bar while Reis Nelson and Kai Havertz also had chances to give Arsenal reward for their pressure.
But Liverpool, despite missing captain Virgil van Dijk through illness and with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, held firm.
Alexander-Arnold also hit the bar in the first half and as they started to exert control after the break, home goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to save well from Diaz while Diogo Jota headed against the bar.
Just as the replay that neither Arsenal nor Liverpool would have particularly wanted loomed, the unfortunate Kiwior headed past Ramsdale to put one foot in the fourth round for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
With the Gunners pushing for an equaliser, Darwin Nunez and Jota combined to set Diaz free and he lashed the ball into the top corner to seal victory for the visitors.
Arsenal lack cutting edge
Arsenal could and should have held a healthy advantage when this FA Cup tie reached half-time but they were let down by what is looking increasingly like a major flaw in Arteta’s team.
The Gunners’ approach work was to be admired as they made Liverpool suffer by moving the ball around but it all fell down at the crucial moment when chances were not taken.
It led to increasing frustration inside the Emirates as the game wore on, accompanied by the growing feeling that Arsenal would pay the price for their failures in front of goal.
Gabriel Jesus was missing with a knee injury but he is not a regular, reliable source of goals while Eddie Nketiah has yet to suggest he is the permanent answer to a growing problem for Arteta.
So much is good about this Arsenal team but there is always the danger they will fall short if all their eye-catching passing play is not accompanied by end product.
It is something Arteta must address as a matter of urgency – something the manager and the club may well agree with given the constant links with Brentford’s Ivan Toney. Whether they can do business in the difficult January market remains to be seen.
This is Arsenal’s third successive defeat since their creditable draw at Anfield on 23 December – and the feeling of positivity around Arteta’s team after that result must be restored swiftly.
Liverpool make light of missing superstars
Liverpool were missing two of their superstars in the meeting of the Premier League title challengers in this FA Cup tie – but they impressively overcame the absence of Van Dijk and Salah.
They were grateful for Arsenal’s poor finishing in the first half but Klopp’s side were always in the game and, even without Salah, they possess menace in their forward line and that was increasingly in evidence as the game went on.
Ibrahima Konate in particular stood out – proving he can produce commanding performances even without Van Dijk alongside him – while young defender Jarell Quansah continues to impress in the absence of Joel Matip.
Nunez was again inefficient with his efforts at goal but Jota was again lively as he continues his return from injury.
Overall, finding a way to win without Van Dijk and Salah will send a surge of self-belief through Liverpool and their supporters that Klopp’s new-look side can go on to achieve special things this season.
Liverpool lead the Premier League, play a EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham on Wednesday and can now look forward to the FA Cup fourth-round draw with optimism.
Player of the match
Diogo JotaDiogo Jota
with an average of 7.99
Arsenal
Avg
Squad number1Player nameRamsdaleAverage rating
6.08
Squad number2Player nameSalibaAverage rating
5.39
Squad number8Player nameØdegaardAverage rating
5.36
Squad number41Player nameRiceAverage rating
5.29
Squad number4Player nameWhiteAverage rating
5.03
Squad number6Player nameGabriel MagalhãesAverage rating
5.01
Squad number7Player nameSakaAverage rating
4.92
Squad number11Player nameGabriel MartinelliAverage rating
4.74
Squad number20Player nameJorginhoAverage rating
4.72
Squad number24Player nameNelsonAverage rating
4.68
Squad number15Player nameKiwiorAverage rating
4.59
Squad number29Player nameHavertzAverage rating
4.32
Squad number10Player nameSmith RoweAverage rating
4.09
Squad number19Player nameTrossardAverage rating
3.75
Squad number14Player nameNketiahAverage rating