An own goal by Jakub Kiwior and a thumping late strike by Luis Diaz sealed a 2-0 triumph for Liverpool at Arsenal in the weekend’s headliner FA Cup third-round tie as the hosts’ dismal form extended into the New Year on Sunday.
Arsenal wasted a sackful of opportunities in the first half and were made to pay as Liverpool skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick glanced off the head of Kiwior in the 80th minute.
Diaz then made sure of eight-time winners Liverpool’s place in the fourth round draw as he lashed home in stoppage time.
Premier League leaders Liverpool had been second best in the opening period with Arsenal unable to make the most of a flurry of early chances — captain Martin Odegaard coming closest as he rattled the crossbar with a powerful drive.
Liverpool improved after the break, though, and their 7,000-strong army of travelling fans were rewarded with two late goals.
Arsenal have now lost their past three games in all competitions.
“We changed things around at halftime internally, and we came out and played football and created chances,” Alexander-Arnold stated.
“There were times in the first half that we were a little bit naive. … We hit the woodwork a couple of times, so we’ve had our chances, and towards the end, we put them away. ”
Kai Havertz could not capitalize on two good chances as Arsenal failed to punish a lacklustre Liverpool, although Alexander-Arnold did hit the crossbar for the visitors.
Arsenal continued to make chances in the second half with Bukayo Saka volleying clumsily over from Declan Rice’s cross.
Liverpool then woke up with Ramsdale saving from Diaz and Diogo Jota heading against the crossbar before the unfortunate Kiwior inadvertently glanced in Alexander-Arnold’s free kick.
