Arsenal given massive Premier League title gift by Man Utd as Liverpool made to suffer yet again

Arsenal have extended their lead over Liverpool in the Premier League title race following Manchester United’s shock win over Liverpool. The reigning champions dropped crucial points at Anfield on Sunday evening, losing 2-1 to Ruben Amorim’s side.

Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock inside the opening couple of minutes, smashing the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili from close range. Bruno Fernandes latched onto a lax header from Virgil van Dijk in the middle of the park and found Amad unmarked on the right flank.

Unfazed by Liverpool’s backline, having conceded four goals in their last three games, which all ended in defeat, the United winger drove forward. As the Reds retreated, Amad played Mbeumo in-behind, and he opened his account.

• Arsenal handed new penalty VAR verdict as Premier League told mistake made
• Danny Murphy issues new Arsenal Premier League title prediction after bold Liverpool claim

Cody Gakpo levelled proceedings towards the end of the game, but Liverpool’s lead didn’t last long. A few moments later, Harry Maguire put Unitedback into the driving seat with an excellent header.

The Red Devils defender leapt above Ibrahima Konate, nodding the ball into the ground and leaving Mamardashvili rooted to the spot. Arne Slot’s side have now lost each of their last three games in the English top-flight, blowing the door wide open.

Arsenal are now four points clear of Liverpool, who have slumped to fourth. The Gunners are also three points adrift of Manchester City in second – and they’ve hardly boasted their title credentials of old.

Next weekend, Brentford will host the Reds at the G-Tech Community Stadium before Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Each fixture poses as a banana skin, the north Londoners will be on cloud nine, while Liverpool will still be licking their wounds.

Speaking to reporters after Arsenal’s win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, Mikel Arteta outlined the importance of such a result. The Spaniard said: “The recent history wasn't in our favour and we wanted to change that like we did against Newcastle and West Ham at home.

“And that's another step, having that mindset and that ability to win these kinds of matches against a really good opposition, a really difficult place to come. And especially the first 10 to 15 minutes, it took us a while to get into the game with some very unusual giveaways that has caused some transitions, and after that, we started to dominate the game throughout the rest of the game much better.

"We talked about knocking on the door against this team; they are really well organised, especially with the context of the result. The more it dragged on, I think we were better and better and managed to win the game and another clean sheet.”

On grinding out results, Arteta said: “You have to play the best in relation to the opponent and the place that you have to play, that's what we have to play. The best against Atletico Madrid is going to be different to the best of today and make sure that we are able to take the game into those areas that is going to favour our possibility to win the game, and we continue to try to improve.”

The Arsenal boss added: “Yes, we know the schedule - you could see some of the players, not only ours, their players as well and there have been some injuries as well. The load is what it is, that's why we need it and the games now and the context demands you a bigger squad.

"I think all the top teams, we are in the same boat, we're going to have to manage that really well to look after them and especially to get the best out of them."

Since replacing Unai Emery at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, Arteta has transformed the Gunners into one of the strongest teams in Europe. However, he only has one trophy in his cabinet: The FA Cup in 2020.

Arsenal can take great confidence from Liverpool’s recent struggles as they finally look to get their hands on a piece of silverware...