Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Santi Cazorla scored at the second time of asking after his initial effort had come back off the post.
The victory was then sealed with around 30 minutes left as Aaron Ramsey fired a spectacular shot from long range past Simon Mignolet.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides in North London.
Match statistics:
Arsenal:
Shots 12
On target 7
Possession 54%
Corners 3
Fouls 11
Liverpool:
Shots 12
On target 4
Possession 46%
Corners 5
Fouls 7
Was the result fair?
There can be no doubting that Arsenal were worthy of the points as they looked superior to Liverpool in every department. The visitors certainly had chances to get on the scoresheet, helping to make it an entertaining encounter, but it was the Gunners who gave a better overall display.
Arsenal's performance
Arsene Wenger's side worked hard throughout the 90 minutes and came away with a deserved win. They were committed in defence, while their midfield showed great energy both on and off the ball. But for some wasteful finishing, they could have had a couple of more goals by the end of the match as they threatened constantly in the final third. This victory will have done wonders for their confidence, showing that they are worthy of their place at the top of the table.
Liverpool's performance
The visitors never really got going as they struggled to deal with Arsenal's combative midfield. Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez were starved of service in the final third, although when they had chances, they looked a million miles away from the well-oiled partnership of recent weeks. Philippe Coutinho added some creativity when he was introduced at half time, but he also failed to unpick the Gunners' backline. One area of concern for manager Brendan Rodgers will be in defence because the Reds appeared shaky on more than one occasion.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Mikel Arteta: The Spaniard was a model of control in the Arsenal midfield, winning the ball and using it economically a number of times. He has been accused of not wanting to roll his sleeves up during matches, but he showed that he is more than capable of doing that.
Biggest gaffe
Liverpool had a great chance to get themselves back into the game with five minutes left when Luis Suarez was put through on goal, but the Uruguayan slid the ball wide of the post when Daniel Sturridge was free in the centre.
Referee performance
Martin Atkinson was a largely authoritative presence in the middle. He allowed the game to be played at a quick pace, keeping control for most of the 90 minutes.
What next?
Arsenal: The Gunners return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they travel to Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Liverpool: The Merseysiders continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with a home clash against Fulham.
Jack Prescott
