Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal reaction: Fearsome duo told spectacular heights they can reach all because of Arteta masterstroke

Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, October 2022

Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka can trouble any defence in the world in their current mood and confidence, says Danny Murphy.

The Gunners are still on cloud nine this season after grinding out a 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday. The north London side had a poor record over the Reds, but they made a statement at the Emirates Stadium.

Not only was it Arsenal’s first Premier League win over Liverpool since July 2020, but Mikel Arteta’s men showed all the traits of a side battling for a top-four finish and beyond.

Liverpool did well to claw their way back into the contest, but they eventually flagged in more worrying signs for them.

Martinelli got Arsenal off to a flying start by opening the scoring in under a minute. And the Brazilian supplied his fellow winger Bukayo Saka to make it 2-1 just before half time.

Roberto Firmino made it 2-2 after Darwin Nunez had equalised in the first half. However, England international Saka made it 3-2 with a penalty before the Gunners ground out a win.

According to former Premier League midfielder Murphy, Martinelli and Saka know no bounds with their ability.

“Sometimes analysis can be made simple for you by wonderful footballers playing with confidence,” the pundit told Match of the Day 2.

“Yes, there are always aspects of a game that you want to look at in terms of tactics or mistakes but today, Arsenal, the positivity was there for all to see.

“The two young lads [Saka and Martinelli] playing left and right for them would be giving any defences in Europe or world football a problem.

“Great players can force teams into mistakes. They’re relentless. They’re so direct and so full of confidence at the moment.”

Arteta masterminding Arsenal upturn

Arteta lauded 21-year-old Martinelli as a “nightmare” for Liverpool.

But, Murphy was keen to throw the credit to Arteta for the way he is allowing his forwards to flourish.

“I love everything about Arsenal at the moment,” he said. “They’re well balanced, they’ve got a great set up and that gives them the freedom to go and cause problems.

“They have a lovely blend of experienced players with these young lads coming in.

“Mikel Arteta has a way of playing, they all know their jobs, but more importantly they’re playing with that freedom.

“With young players, if you have a manager who is giving you freedom to express yourself, then you are going to have a chance.”

Arsenal return to Premier League action away at Leeds United next Sunday. Before then, they face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Gunners soar with massive victory

The onus was firmly on Arsenal to prove their credentials in big games against rivals – and they have delivered.

Yes, the defeat to Manchester United earlier in the season was a sour one, but the Gunners played their part.

Against Tottenham, though, they were dominant throughout and deserved the win.

But, the clash with Liverpool was arguably the most-anticipated one out of the three, because of their woeful record against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

It did not matter that Arsenal conceded two goals – Liverpool were always going to be dangerous in attack.

The win is a huge one for Arteta and a massive feather in the cap for the Spaniard. He will now be looking to keep Arsenal at the top until the break for the World Cup.

READ MORE: Paul Merson overjoyed by ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal win, as John Barnes explains how Gunners have grown