Arsenal dealt Liverpool‘s hopes of a top-four finish a savage blow as a whirlwind of goals shortly before half-time set them up for a 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.In a match in which the Reds often looked too cautious and unable to take control, Gunners right-back Hector Bellerin took advantage of slack defending from Alberto Moreno to put the hosts in front.
A free kick from Mesut Ozil compounded the Reds’ troubles just three minutes later and Alexis Sanchez’s powerful finish to a slick team move moments before the break left Liverpool crippled.
The visitors got one back in the second half when Jordan Henderson scored from the penalty spot, Raheem Sterling having been brought down by Bellerin, but they could not push on to save the match.
All that Liverpool got for their troubles in the final stages was a second yellow card for Emre Can, leaving them to close out their defeat with 10 men, and their numerical disadvantage was punished when Olivier Giroud continued his fine recent form by striking a fantastic fourth at the death.
Arsenal moved above defending champions Manchester City, who visit Crystal Palace on Monday, and closed to within four points of leaders Chelsea, who have two games in hand.
Beaten 2-1 by Manchester United before the international break, Liverpool have now lost twice in succession and trail the top four by five points ahead of the rest of the weekend’s matches.
Brendan Rodgers’s side, previously unbeaten in 13 games, will fall eight points below United if Louis van Gaal’s men overcome Aston Villa at Old Trafford later on Saturday.
Liverpool are also at risk of being overtaken by Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom are just a point behind them.
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