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Third place against fifth placec took place at the Emirates, after the International break. Arsenal more inspired than ever to race for a Premier League tittle, had the reds visiting the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool, who wants to finish in the top four in order to qualify for Champions League next season was looking to leave the Emirates with a positive result. It was not going to be an easy game for either side.
The first thirty minutes of the first half were competitive The game was back and forth from both sides. Liverpool’s biggest opportunity in the first half was in the 19th minute when Phillippe Coutinho put a through ball forward to Lazar Markovic. Markovic did not want to finish, and passed it just a little bit too far to Raheem Sterling who was one step short and missed a great opportunity. Markovic may have had to be a little more selfish in that play in order finish it.
Arsenal played the last eight minutes of the first half as a world class team and demolished Liverpool. At minute 37″ twenty year old Hector Bellerin received a short pass from Aaron Ramsey on the right side, just outside of the Liverpool 18. He made his way inside the box, cut Alberto Moreno and placed a beautiful shot with the inside of left boot to beat Simon Mignolet at second post. Mignolet dove in an effort to keep the ball out but was a bit short.
Three minutes later Arsenal had a free kick opportunity. The shot was taken by Mesut Ozil, who curled the ball past Mignolet at the far post and made it two nil. Liverpool wanted the first half to end in order come back stronger in the second.
Just before the first half was about to finish, minute Aaron Ramsey gave his second assist after a short pass to Alexis Sanchez in the 45th minute. Sanchez then cut Kolo Toure inside and hit a magnificent banger from outside the eighteen to put Arsenal’s third in the back of the net.
Liverpool came back second half trying to find something at the top of the pitch and subbed in Daniel Sturridge. At the 75th minute Raheem Sterling’s agility and speed proved to be too much for the Arsenal defense. Sterling was brought down inside the box by Hector Bellerin and was awarded a penalty kick. Jordan Henderson took the penalty to David Ospina’s right side with just enough power to beat the Arsenal goalkeeper. Ospina was able to get a touch on the ball but could not keep it out.
In the 83rd minute Liverpool lost a player after a double yellow card. Emre Can was sent off after the tackle on Danny Welbeck. It was a very unnecessary tackle that earned Can his second yellow card of the match.
Right before the end of the game, the Player of the Month in March, Olivier Giroud, made his appearance on the score sheet. After receiving a ball from Alexis Sanchez, Giroud made his way inside the 18 yard box and very easily cut past Toure with the outside of his left foot. Giroud positioned himself at the edge of the eighteen and took a superb shot with his left foot that sealed the game 4-1.
With this important victory Arsenal made their way to second place on the table and sit seven points behind Chelsea who still have a game pending. Liverpool continue to sit in 5th and are seven points away from 4th place. Arsenal will visit Burnley for a good opportunity to collect three points away from home. Liverpool will receive Newcastle at Anfield to close week 32nd of the Premier League.