Arsenal narrowed the gap on 10-man leaders Liverpool to just two points with a crucial 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard finding the net in a high-stakes clash in the title race.

The match was billed as a ‘must-not lose’ encounter for The Gunners, who under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, displayed dominance over the lackluster Merseysiders, particularly in the first half. 

Saka broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, capitalizing on Alisson’s superb save to deny Kai Havertz and slotting home the rebound.

Despite Liverpool’s vulnerability, they managed to draw level just before halftime, courtesy of a defensive mix-up that led to Gabriel inadvertently putting the ball into his own net off a pass from Ryan Gravenberch.

After the break, Arsenal regained the lead in the 67th minute, benefitting from a defensive blunder as Martinelli capitalized on a miscommunication between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to score into an empty net. 

Liverpool’s attempts to equalize faltered, and their woes deepened when Ibrahima Konate received a second yellow card in the dying minutes, while substitute Trossard added insult to injury by sneaking in a stoppage-time goal past Alisson.

The outcome catapults Arsenal to second place, narrowing the gap on leaders Liverpool to a mere two points after 23 matches played. Meanwhile, Manchester City trail in third place, three points adrift but with two games in hand.

Liverpool seeks redemption at home against Burnley next Saturday, while Arsenal prepares for a visit to West Ham on Sunday.