Luis Diaz sealed a 2-0 win away at Arsenal as Liverpool progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup last season by Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round. The eight-time winners were drawn against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the third round this season, one of the favourites to win the competition.
Arsenal hold the record for most FA Cup titles with 14. The last time Liverpool and Arsenal faced off in the FA Cup was ten years ago in the 2013/14 season. Arsenal won 2-1 and went on to lift the trophy.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who had both left for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the AFC Asian Cup respectively. The Reds also travelled to London without Virgil van Dijk (illness) and Dominik Szoboszlai, who is recovering from a short-term injury.
The first clear cut chance for the Gunners came ten minutes into the match, as deputising left-back Joe Gomez sloppily gave the ball away to Kai Havertz, who’s able to tee up Martin Odegaard in the centre of the box. Fortunately for Alisson, the Arsenal captain rattled the crossbar with his effort.
It wouldn’t just be the crossbar at the South Stand to gather all of the attention, as Cody Gakpo passed into right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who smashed his attempt onto the bar as well.
With the clock ticking in the second half, the Liverpool boss opted to bring youngsters Bobby Clark (18) and Conor Bradley (20) onto the pitch for the remaining 15 minutes. Avoiding a replay was crucial for the Reds.
Not long after the youngsters’ introduction, Arsenal’s worst nightmare Diogo Jota hit the crossbar as well from a corner. The Portuguese forward did incredibly well to beat William Saliba in the air.
The goal would eventually come for Liverpool and it was an unfortunate own-goal by Arsenal youngster Jakub Kiwior. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a wide free-kick into the box for Kiwior to nod into his own net with a pretty decent glancing header in fairness.
With an additional four minutes on the clock, Luis Diaz wrapped up the game with a second Liverpool goal. Assisted by Diogo Jota (of course), Diaz’s near-post rifling finish guaranteed a fourth round spot.
Man of the Match was deservedly awarded to Ibrahima Konate, who arguably had his best game ever in a Reds shirt. An absolute colossus in defence.
The draw gave Liverpool a fourth round tie against either Norwich City or Bristol Rovers at Anfield.
Next up is Fulham at Anfield in the EFL Cup semi-final. Liverpool are still fighting on all four fronts so far this season. Kick-off is at 8pm on Wednesday, 10 January.
Arsenal team: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior (Smith Rowe 88), Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho (Nketiah 81), Saka, Havertz (Trossard 88), Nelson (Martinelli 62).
Liverpool team: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Elliott (Bradley 75), Mac Allister (Gravenberch 59), Jones (Clark 75), Gakpo (Jota 59), Nunez, Diaz.
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle United: Salah, Jones & Gakpo Fire Reds Three Points Clear
- Burnley 0-2 Liverpool: Nunez & Jota Send Reds Top On Boxing Day
- Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal: Salah Scores As Reds Drop Points To Gunners
- Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United: Reds Soar Into EFL Cup Semi-Final
- Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: Reds Miss Chance To Top The Pile With Anfield Stalemate