Liverpool qualified for the round of 16 of the Cup by winning on Arsenal’s pitch thanks to a superb finish.
Liverpool pulled off a superb move on Arsenal’s pitch on Sunday in the 32nd round of the Cup. Despite the absences of executives like Virgil van Dijk, ill, and Mohamed Salah, who left to play the CAN with Egypt, the Reds won their first qualification (0-2) against the Gunners in the national cup for 23 years. Jostled in the first half, Jürgen Klopp’s men were much sharper and more efficient after the break, further degrading the morale of the Arsenal players.
As is often the case, it was the magic foot of Trent Alexander-Arnold, evening scouser captain, who broke the deadlock. After shaking the crossbar during the first act on a missile from the right, the man of many talents extinguished the Emirates Stadium by causing Jakub Kiwior’s own goal (0-1, 80th). “TAA” had previously illuminated the meeting with reversals of play and openings of which he has the secret, to break the London lines and offer ammunition to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
Diaz, generous throughout the meeting, found the light at the opportune moment and at the end of added time. The Colombian, served by the lively newcomer Diogo Jota, crucified Aaron Ramsdale with a laser under the bar to close the ball (0-2, 90th + 4).
On the French side, William Saliba was a starter in Arsenal’s central defense with Gabriel. Ismaël Konaté held the house for the Reds with the young Quansah, chosen to replace Van Dijk.
This is the fourth meeting without a victory for the Gunners, who have been in difficulty since the very end of 2023.
