For a rare time this season, Liverpool were outplayed for large portions of the match and it ended up costing the Reds. A pair of defensive lapses, one in each half, and a third goal when they were down to ten men sealed Liverpool's fate against Arsenal in a 3-1 loss.

First Half

Arsenal had the best chance early in the match but Saka put a header just wide. Cody Gakpo nearly struck on the counterattack in the 12th minute, but the chance was also wide. Saka continued to be a menace as he scored off a rebound after Alisson had made an initial save in the 14th minute,

Liverpool continued to be shaky in the back, but Virgil van Dijk blocked a shot in the 22nd minute to keep the deficit at 1-0. Another giveaway forced Joe Gomez into a yellow card. Cody Gakpo forced a save in the 27th minute, and Van Dijk put a header high near the half-hour mark as the Reds began to settle into the match.

Alison made a nice save in the 38th minute as the Gunners started to boss the match again. It was Liverpool who were the beneficiary of some good fortune deep in first half stoppage time. Luis Díaz chased down a long ball over the top and it deflected off the hand of Gabriel Magalhães. The own goal made sure the contest was tied 1-1 at halftime.

Second Half

Alexis Mac Allister and Diaz produced near misses to start the second half. Curtis Jones also put a chance wide in the 48th minute. Arsenal earned a corner, but it was cleared. Liverpool earned a corner in the 59th minute, but it was also cleared. 

Díaz forced a save in the 62nd minute, but it was Arsenal who took the lead. After Alisson and Van Dijk had miscommunication, it led to an easy goal by Gabriel Martinelli in the 67th minute.

Liverpool earned a corner in the 77th minute, but Mac Allister missed just wide. The Reds earned a corner in the 82nd minute, but it was cleared. Darwin Nunez missed a shot moments later.

Liverpool's comeback attempt became even tougher in the 88th minute when Ibrahima Konaté was sent off with a second yellow. Leandro Trossard put the finishing touches on the game for the Gunners with a great individual effort as Arsenal took the 3-1 win.

Still Top Of The Table

All is not doom and gloom for Liverpool supporters. Even with the loss, which was just the Reds' 2nd in the last 34 Premier League matches, they still sit atop the table with 51 points. Arsenal now sit 2nd with 49 points, which means that Liverpool can't run away with the title just yet and it could set up some massive matches later in the year.

Totally Out-Gunned

As mentioned before, it's not often Liverpool are outplayed, but they were today and the stats prove it. The Reds only had a single shot on goal and that was not the own goal scored. They were also outshot 15-10 and seemed to have very little meaningful possession in the attacking third of the pitch.

Welcome Back Thiago

Thiago saw his first action of the season after an injury when he came on as a substitute in the 85th minute. However,  Dominik Szoboszlai was a late scratch and Conor Bradley did not play due to the unexpected death of his father.

LFC Globe Verdict

Liverpool played badly. There is no denying that fact. The giveaways and mistakes in the back were particularly glaring, reminiscent of last year. This is not the end of the world, though. Liverpool still sit atop the table and as long as this loss does not start a spiral, we will be just fine.

Man Of The Match

There were not that many bright spots for Liverpool today, but Luis Díaz was one. His pressure on Arsenal while tracking down a pass led to an own-goal equalizer just before halftime.

What's Next

The Reds will look to rebound as they host Burnley at  Anfield on Saturday, February 10th.

Goals

Arsenal

1. Bukayo Saka 14'
2. Own Goal 45+'
3. Gabriel Martinelli 67'
4. Leandro Trossard  90+'

Liverpool

-None

Substitutes

Arsenal

1. Jakub Kiwior for Oleksandr Zinchenko HT'
2. Leandro Trossard for Gabriel Martinelli 74'
3. Reiss Nelson for Bukayo Saka 79'

Liverpool

1. Darwin Núñez for Cody Gakpo 58'
2. Harvey Elliott for Ryan Gravenberch 58'
3. Andy Robertson for Trent Alexander-Arnold 58'
4. Thiago for Joe Gomez 85'