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Earlier this season, Mauricio Pochettino quite rightly said: \u201cFootball is a game of mistakes.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The Argentine\u2019s calamitous Chelsea side have done their best to prove him right but Arsenal and Liverpool delivered plenty of supporting evidence themselves on Sunday afternoon, with both teams benefitting from bone-headed blunders.<\/p>\n Arsenal managed to come out on top in a truly chaotic contest, winning 3-1 to reignite their tilt for the Premier League title.<\/p>\n Bukayo Saka\u2019s opener ensured that the Gunners have scored the first goal in each of their last four league matches against Liverpool \u2013 the first time Arsenal have achieved such a feat in this fixture since 1970.<\/p>\n Played to a deafening soundtrack inside the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were well worth their early lead, suffocating the visitors with a coordinated press. The Gunners had been just as\u00a0sharp against Liverpool\u00a0in the FA Cup last month but were painfully profligate in front of goal.<\/p>\n Kai Havertz hadn\u2019t discovered his ruthless streak. The German, starting in place of the\u00a0injured Gabriel Jesus, latched on to Martin Odegaard\u2019s wonderfully cushioned pass but tamely prodded the ball into Alisson\u2019s chest. Fortunately for the Gunners, Saka was on hand to gobble up the rebound and fire Arsenal into a familiar lead.<\/p>\n I had absolutely no belief that Havertz was scoring that. Was just hoping Saka would be in a good position afterwards.<\/p>\n \u2014 Zito (@_Zeets) February 4, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Don\u2019t let that Saka finish distract you from that disgraceful lack of conviction from Havertz there<\/p>\n \u2014 TS\ud83c\udf47\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf7 (@Trujista) February 4, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Credit to Arsenal \u2013 they\u2019ve been brilliant this opening 14 minutes. Liverpool\u2026 less so #LFC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) February 4, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Arsenal may have forced their way ahead regularly against Liverpool but actually holding on to that advantage has been far less common.<\/p>\n Arteta\u2019s side were entirely and utterly in control as the first half ticked into stoppage time, denying the visitors a single shot on target. Yet, Jurgen Klopp\u2019s side still somehow scuttled into the interval with the scores level.<\/p>\n William Saliba characteristically anticipated a pass over the top, shifting his hulking frame between Luis Diaz and the ball. David Raya didn\u2019t take his cue to pick the ball up, allowing Diaz to blindly hook his boot around Saliba. Diaz\u2019s stab was directed away from Arsenal\u2019s goal but cannoned off Gabriel\u2019s arm, trundling over the line.<\/p>\n In place of the Benny Hill theme, a hush descended around the Emirates.<\/p>\n Saliba and Gabriel. pic.twitter.com\/bGbetiqtFA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jaco\u2122 (@JacoCats) February 4, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s why you should always start Gabriel over Saliba. His goal threat is superior<\/p>\n\n
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