Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal: LFC strike back and leap back into the top four

Liverpool moved back into the top four with a convincing victory over Arsenal at Anfield.

Goals from Firmino, Mane and a late strike from Wijnaldum ensured the reds moved on to 52 points in the Premier League.

Just the one change for Liverpool with Ragnar Klavan back to full fitness he returned to the starting line-up to replace Lucas Leiva in the heart of the reds defence.

Dejan Lovren returned to training 48 hours ago and was only deemed fit enough for the bench.

For Arsenal, Mezut Ozil was out and Alexis Sanchez started on the bench which gave Liverpool fans some pre-match hope.

The reds started brightly, with Arsenal seemingly reliant on a 'find Giroud' strategy.

Liverpool themselves were looking to move the ball quicker - with Can and Wijnaldum eagerly looking to find Mane or Coutinho either side of the more central Roberto Firmino.

And it was the reds who struck first in the 9th minute.  From a goal kick the ball made it's way quickly upfield.  Mane tried a shot from the corner of the box which Coutinho dummied allowing Firmino to fire in.

Liverpool's second goal was more finely tuned.  From down the left wing the ball was cooly collected by Firmino - he square a beautiful ball across the area into the space of Sadio Mane who fired past Petr Cech.

Second half and a quick change from Arsenal - Alexis Sanchez on and his impact was immediate.  Arsenal looked more fluid and dangerous.

Mignolet was called into action to tip a Giroud header over the bar but the danger was mounting.

10 minutes into the half Welbeck had dragged Arsenal back in with a chance.  Sanchez cutting in and finding Welbeck who dinked it over Mignolet who rushed out prematurely. 2-1.

It looked like Arsenal may run away with it, and they brought Walcott and Lucas Perez on to increase the pressure as they searched for the equaliser.

But the reds held firm - a better central defensive display with Ragnar Klavan looking a far superior option at the back to Lucas Leiva.

And in the 90th minute Georginio Wijnaldum ensured all three points would be ours when he was the final recipient of a quick Liverpool counter attack and drilled the ball into the Kop goal.

Liverpool move three points clear of 6th placed Manchester United but now must build on this with Burnley set to visit Anfield next weekend.

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