Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 4 talking points from spirited defeat

Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara watches as Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker saves a shot from Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 16, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) watches his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. All Eyes on Aston Villa

Some were labeling it a free hit for Arsenal and, in some respects, it was. But with the gap in the race for the top four closing – especially after Spurs’ win at Brighton – the loss is tough to take. Having been the better side for the majority of the first half and the beginning of the second, it was two sucker punches that took the wind out of their sails.

Their two ‘games in hand’ are both away at Chelsea and Tottenham, two crunch games. Still in the top four after the defeat, Arsenal’s margin for error has now shrunk, even if this outcome was largely expected.

It was the side’s first loss in their last five games, and losing to Liverpool is by no means a devastating blow given the performance. However, it is a results business and the Gunners were brought back into the chasing pack tonight.

Still, with two games in hand, their destiny is in their own hands, but this weekend’s game against Aston Villa is now firmly front and center. Just 64 hours separate kick-offs and the lunchtime clash has banana skin written all over it.

Next. Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool. dark

A monumental effort will be required.

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