With top four places at stake, the Barclays Premier League 2014-15 match between Arsenal and Liverpool was touted as the biggest clash of the weekend. The match turned out to be a case of brilliance as four majestic sides that dictated the result of the contest. There was plenty of good football from both sides and Liverpool were making giant strides in the early passage of play in the game before Arsenal struck back, unleashing their striking prowess. Here is how the match unfolded:
1. Arsenal’s early burst: The home side got off the blocks early and were tearing the opposition to shreds with Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey coming close to opening the deadlock. Both were efforts from close range and Simon Mignolet’s timely efforts saved the day and Liverpool were alive in the contest, with their terrific defence record away from home intact.
2. Liverpool hit back: For the first 20 minutes of the game’s play, Arsenal had carved the opposition defence open and the depleted Liverpool were searching for answers. Slowly, Liverpool got back into the contest, winning the midfield battle with authority and getting the ball forward with purpose. This is when the nimble footed Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho were terrifying and the Arsenal backline left space to attack. Coutinho created a brilliant move, releasing Markovic , who should have finished the chance after being in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. The ball was squared but the ball was over-hit, beyond the reach of Sterling.
3. Arsenal’s 8 minute brilliance: As the game awaited the first goal, Liverpool were left stunned as Arsenal’s 20-year-old right back, Hector Bellerin, cut inside to leave Alberto Moreno flat footed and unleashed a terrific left-footed shot to the far-left corner. That goal created a goal glut, which simply punctured the Reds. The second goal came from Mesut Ozil, who struck a stunning free-kick to the bottom left corner, only minutes later. The third was from Alexis Sanchez, who also left Mignolet with little chance.
4. Liverpool lost their heads: As Liverpool struggled to register on the scoresheet, frustration grew in their ranks and the team lost their discipline. Jordan Henderson’s penalty gave a glimmer of hope to the team that had made their name on comebacks. Just then, Emre Can made a reckless tackle on Danny Welbeck and that signalled the end of Liverpool’s chances in the game.
5. Olivier Giroud continues to rally Arsenal: The Frenchman has been brilliant all season when many said it was bordering on foolishness to depend on a misfiring target-man. Giroud was magnificent up front, linking up play and freeing space for the likes of Ozil and Sanchez to makes runs. He capped off the game with a superbly taken goal to take Arsenal to the second spot.
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