Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool: 5 talking points as the Reds pick up crucial victory | Premier League 2020-21 

Liverpool defeated Arsenal 3-0
Liverpool defeated Arsenal 3-0

#3 Gabriel Magalhaes has a game to forget for Arsenal

Gabriel had a game to forget for Arsenal against Liverpool
Gabriel had a game to forget for Arsenal against Liverpool

Gabriel Magalhaes has earned plaudits for his displays since joining Arsenal but the 23-year-old had a nightmare performance against Liverpool.

While none of his teammates covered themselves in glory against the Reds, the Brazilian defender was arguably the worst of the lot and made two mistakes that led to opposition goals.

He was not strong enough in his challenge on Mo Salah and went down too easily in the buildup to the second goal which saw the Liverpool forward dispossess him. His underhit pass to Cedric was cut out and led to the third goal for the visitors.

To cap it all off, Gabriel was shown a yellow card in injury time for a heavy challenge on Diogo Jota and this performance is not one the Arsenal defender will look back too fondly on.


#2 Diogo Jota continues his hot streak in front of goal

Diogo Jota scored a brace for Liverpool against Arsenal
Diogo Jota scored a brace for Liverpool against Arsenal

There was a lot of furor raised when Diogo Jota was left out of the Liverpool starting lineup against Arsenal.

In his stead, an out-of-form Roberto Firmino - who was only returning to full fitness - was charged with leading the line.

The outrage was understandable, considering that the 24-year-old had scored the winning goal for Liverpool in the last game before the international break and followed that up with two goals for his country.

It took an hour of toothless play in attack for Jurgen Klopp to introduce the Portugal international and in keeping with his recent run, Jota needed just a few minutes to find the back of the net.

His anticipation of getting on the end of Alexander Arnold's cross is a major hallmark that is missing from Firmino's game and the former Wolves man ended the night with a brace.

At this rate, it will be counterproductive for Klopp to continue ignoring Jota and with a marquee game coming up against Real Madrid in midweek, it is imperative that the Liverpool number 20 leads the line.


#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold sends a statement to Gareth Southgate with his display against Arsenal

Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League

England manager Gareth Southgate made a huge decision when he left out Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold off his latest international squad.

The right-back position is one of the most competitive in the Three Lions camp but Arnold's displays over the last few years have set him out as arguably the standout player in his position in the world.

The 22-year-old has, however, not had the best of campaigns this term and has struggled to hit the previous heights attained.

He responded to his international snub in the best way possible and was arguably the best player on the field against Arsenal.

The England international showed his defensive awareness with two tackles and three interceptions but it was at the other end where he was at his most productive.

His delivery for Jota's opener was a throwback to his very best performances and he could have registered another assist had Sadio Mane not inexplicably headed wide from six yards.

It was an all-round performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold, highlighting that the decrease in output was just a temporary loss in form.

Gareth Southgate will do well to take note.

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