The Gunners capitalised on two uncharacteristic errors by Liverpool, after Sadio Mane had converted from Andrew Robertson’s cut-back to give the visitors a 20th-minute lead. Arsenal denied champions Liverpool the chance to set a new Premier League points record as they fought back to boost their hopes of playing European football next season.
Virgil van Dijk played an attempted back-pass to goalkeeper Alisson into the path of Alexandre Lacazette and the Frenchman rounded Alisson to level.
Then, one minute before half-time, Alisson’s poor pass to Robertson was pounced on by Lacazette, whose cross into the box was swept in by Reiss Nelson.
Liverpool dominated the second half in search of an equaliser but Emiliano Martinez produced an excellent save to deny Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk headed wide as Mikel Arteta’s side held on for an important three points.
With two games and six points remaining, Liverpool’s maximum possible points tally is now 99 – one behind Manchester City’s record total of 100 set in 2018.
Victory sees Arsenal reclaim ninth from Burnley and move two points behind seventh-placed Tottenham – the Premier League’s final Europa League position should Arsenal fail to qualify for that competition as FA Cup winners.
