Arsenal’s recent woes continued as they crashed out of the FA Cup following a frustrating 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners dominated the opening exchanges and should have gone ahead early on when Martin Odegaard struck the crossbar from close range. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz also went close for the hosts during a bright first half display.
However, Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them. Liverpool grew into the game after the break and finally made the breakthrough 10 minutes from time. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint free kick took a wicked deflection off Jakub Kiwior and looped beyond keeper Aaron Ramsdale into the net.
It was a body blow for Arsenal, who have now lost four of their last six matches in all competitions. Hopes of mounting a late comeback were dashed when Luis Diaz raced clear of the defence in stoppage time to smash in Liverpool’s second.
The result means Arsenal’s hopes of ending their FA Cup drought will extend to another season. Manager Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side looked toothless in the final third. The Gunners will need to rediscover their cutting edge quickly with the Premier League title race hotting up.
For Liverpool, the hard-fought win was a statement of intent as they returned to the top of the table. The Reds now turn their attention to a League Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham on Wednesday before returning to the Emirates in the league next month.
