Arsenal were off to a flyer at Anfield with Gabriel Martinelli giving them the lead inside eight minutes. The in-form Brazilian attacker capitalised on a defensive error by Virgil van Dijk to give his side the edge as they look to go eight points clear of Man City once again.
Mikel Arteta's side went into the game with their foot on the gas, knowing that any result but a win could prove costly to their title charge. After knocking on the door of Liverpool with a handful of half-decent chances, they were finally rewarded in the eighth minute.
It was a tad too simple for the Gunners after Andy Robertson slipped in the build-up, with Saka racing forward before finding Odegaard. The pass was poorly dealt with by Virgil van Dijk who hit it into Martinelli's path. The Brazilian subsequently poked the ball into the bottom corner beyond Alisson. Watch:
MARTINELLI!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
What a start! Arsenal LEAD at Anfield! pic.twitter.com/oZXQzciHkf
Moments after, Martinelli combined with Gabriel Jesus to double Arsenal's advantage before Mohamed Salah ensured that Liverpool had the potential to stage a comeback before half-time.
25 - Gabriel Martinelli's opener was his 25th goal in the Premier League, joining teammate Gabriel Jesus as the only other South American player to reach this tally while 21 or younger. Samba. pic.twitter.com/ecfVNF6TIo
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 9, 2023