Summary

  • FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool - Jota opens scoring before Firmino doubles lead

  • A Liverpool win would move them a point behind Man City at top

  • FT: Brighton 0-2 Spurs - Romero deflects in Kulusevski's shot before Kane's second

  • Spurs three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal

  • Get involved via #bbcfootball

  1. Bye!published at 23:00 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    That's all from me.

    We're back tomorrow for more Premier League action as Everton host Newcastle in a big game near the bottom.

    West Ham and Rangers are playing in the Europa League, while Leicester City are back in action in the Europa Conference League.

    See you then!

  2. Postpublished at 22:56 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    Phil McNulty's match report from the Emirates is live. Read it here.

    And the report on Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brighton is here.

  3. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:54 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    #bbcfootball

    Prince: Liverpool and Man City…so happy to win at the Emirates. Tells you all you need to know about this Arsenal team.

    Cadeynation: Well played Arsenal definetly showing they are getting to the stage where they can compete. Slowly but surely they will be there. Impressive stuff especially considering how they started the season.

  4. 'They won it in the boxes'published at 22:50 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Arsenal

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to Sky Sports: "From box-to-box we were at the right level but in the boxes that's where they won it. They had two big chances and scored. We didn't. For the rest, we went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league right now.

    "Everything. It was everything we talked about, the quality of it, the mentality, the intensity and the courage. Unfortunately the result did not agree with the performance.

    "I want to win every football game but I am very proud of the boys and the performance and the connection with the fans, they stayed with the players until the end.

    "We need to sleep well, have something good to eat then recover for Saturday to have a battle against Aston Villa."

    Can the players deal with pressure of competiting for top four? "I think they showed that tonight."

  5. Postpublished at 22:48 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    Jurgen Klopp seemed very pleased with Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance but what a display from Gabriel Martinelli.

    He was a nightmare to defend! Top talent and still only 20.

    .Image source, Getty Images
  6. 'We did everything that we'd planned'published at 22:43 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Arsenal

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC match of the Day: "From box to box, we did everything that we’d planned. What happened in the boxes was a different story, that’s where we lost the game.

    "We had two big moments. Gabriel Martinelli goes all the way through to the goalkeeper and then Martin [Odegaard] had a big chance. You have to be ahead. When you concede the goals we conceded, it becomes really difficult to win the game.

    "I think the whole team played fantastically well. I don’t think the result reflects the performance, but in the box they had the decisive moments. They put the ball in the net twice.

    "[The top two] have set other standards again this season. To cope with that, I have to congratulate the team, but we’re here to win football matches and today we didn’t do it.

    "Mentally we’re ready [for the next game]. Saturday against Aston Villa will be a very different game, but a very difficult game."

  7. 'It's better to be one point behind than 14'published at 22:39 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    More from Jurgen Klopp to Sky Sports: "Two top class teams met each other, both with a football idea, both trying to be dominant in possession. If you don’t close the centre properly the ball is in the last line. There were also four or five offside situations that weren’t whistled. It’s really tricky, it’s a delay that doesn’t help to be honest.

    "We’ve obviously had a good period. It’s what we need. We’re one point [behind Man City], but it’s still the same. We have to win football matches. We then face City, then all the others. Hopefully all the players come back fit from international duty. Then we have an early kick-off against Watford. It’s better to be one point behind than 14 points.

    "The only thing I’m really interested in is how we can prepare for the next game, how we can get through this. It’s so difficult – I think it’s game number 13 since we met Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. For them it’s seven – that’s six more games for us. We don’t complain about it, we wanted it like this. Let’s see how it goes.

    "In ten years, do you think somebody will say you should be proud [of finishing second by one point]? Probably not. We know we have a special group here and we’re trying to squeeze everything we can out of the situation."

  8. 'I'll knock them down!'published at 22:37 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: "Obviously both teams had spells of possession where the other team was patient and didn’t want to step out, but we had to. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] did exceptionally well against Gabriel Martinelli. If anybody tells me Trent can’t defend, I’ll knock them down. I don’t know what the boy has to do anymore.

    "In the first half we didn’t have enough players between the lines. The movement was not exactly what it should have been. It was not a big problem because we were prepared for a really difficult game. The speed Arsenal have and their physicality – they’re a really talented team, so I wasn’t angry at half-time. I just wanted to change a few things.

    "It was a sensational save from Alisson [before the opener]. For me it was a goal, to be honest. With their quality, they often finish situations like that. Ali didn’t let it happen. When you always try to find a football solution like Thiago - I would have kicked the ball into the stand probably. He tried to keep it in the game."

  9. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:35 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    #bbcfootball

    Tom: OK Aston Villa, we softened Arsenal up for you on Saturday, beat City on final day of the season and we'll call it even.

  10. 'We just need to keep going'published at 22:33 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to BBC MOTD: "Indeed, it is [big three points]. Coming here and winning gaainst rsenal is already but winning the game like it was - more special. We started really well then it became an open game. Both teams were patient and our possession was not as good. We had too many on the wrong side of the ball. We need to find moments to pass the ball through. They had spells as well and we had to work hard. We wanted to improve in the second half. We defended higher in the second half and was much more front-footed. In that moment the whole game changed really.

    "Really happy for [Roberto Firmino]. Unfortunately he got a yellow card for celebrating and there were so many tackles that I was like 'omg' and it was a bit nervy! But I understand why he did it.

    "Mo Salah said he was fine but you still need to try him in training and we had a full session with the other boys so we stuck to that. It was clear he would come on. He was very lively and kept Kieran Tierney quiet. That helped Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was exceptional. Gabriel Martinelli, you need two at least. Sensational game for Andy Robertson too."

    On Thiago's mistake: "It can happen but it should not. Thiago knows that! He is probably the most relieved person! Alisson saved his [bottom] pretty much. They could have punished us. Of course we could be 1-0 down then Diogo [Jota] scores and we go 1-0 so that's a big moment, absolutely."

    On the title race: "I'm very excited about and the team and the situation we are in but that does not change everything. We just need to keep going. I saw a hard-working team in the first half and in the second half we enjoyed it more and that was when we really stepped up. We really want to enjoy the situation we are in by winning football matches. It's tough. We keep the right mindset for it."

  11. 'Every game is like a final for us'published at 22:30 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Brighton 0-2 Tottenham

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Tottenham manager Antonio Conte to BBC Sport: "I think our performances have been good but sometimes we have ended without a better result. Today it was a good game, good performance and important three points.

    "In this part of the league, every game is like a final for us because we are behind. We have many teams in front of us but we want to fight until the end."

    On Harry Kane's Premier League record for away goals: "I am happy for him because in every game he has many chances to score and for a world-class striker like him to play in a team where he can score goals...he is enjoying it.

    "I think he deserves to win something in his career because we are talking about a fantastic player."

  12. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:27 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    #bbcfootball

    Ishaan: This is sadly the difference between academy graduates and a front line of Salah/Mane/Firmino/Jota/Diaz. A few dangerous signings for Arsenal and they’ll compete.

    Sam: Madness that Salah, Mane and Firmino are all entering the last year of their contracts in the summer. Surely it’s worth extending all of them for at least a couple more years, this squad depth is unplayable!

  13. Postpublished at 22:24 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Big celebrations.

    .Image source, Getty Images
    .Image source, Getty Images
    .Image source, Getty Images
  14. 'We need to stay humble & hungry'published at 22:22 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Liverpool midfielder Thiago to Sky Sports: "We felt our high pressure was not quite as accurate as it usually is. We started to play our game more and was better in the second half.

    "I gave two assists and [Andy Robertson] just won Man of the Match! No, I'm joking. We just wanted to keep the ball. [On his mistake...] I didn't realise Alexandre Lacazette was there and fortunately we have an amazing keeper who pulled off a good save.

    "We were wishing Manchester City dropped points and they did. The gap now is one point but we are just looking forward to the Nottingham Forest game and nothing else.

    "We just try to win each game we have. We have to analyse this game to go through the things we did wrong and right then looking forward. That is the key - to stay humble and hungry."

  15. 'We are in a bad moment'published at 22:21 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Brighton 0-2 Tottenham

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    Brighton boss Graham Potter speaking to BBC Sport: "It was very tough. The boys put such a lot into the game. We were a little short of quality against a great side. I thought it was an even game until they scored.

    "We were pushing for an equaliser when they scored. Tottenham are a good team and have good players. If you get it wrong they can punish you. Over the course of the game I thought they deserved to win.

    "The international break is a chance to reset. We need that, we have had a tough time. It is a chance for the boys to clear their heads and work on what we need to do to improve. The break has come at a good time as we are in a bad moment."

  16. 'It's a sprint to the finish line'published at 22:17 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Liverpool defender Andy Robertson to Sky Sports: "We played a bit better in the second half. We started the game really well and had a few chances but then they had the better of the first half.

    "We knew we could play better and could find the half-spaces a bit better. It worked. We were a lot more dominant in the second half and was more clinical.

    "Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are really hard work. I think Trent Alexander-Arnold was outstanding. It was a really tough game. It was great to have a clean sheet and I'm really happy for Bobby [Roberto Firmino] getting his goal.

    "I don't like games in hand much, I would rather points. I would still rather be in their position. They are a point ahead. They are a fantastic team, one of the best in the world. Then it's a sprint to the finish line. We're in the race so we need to focus on what we're doing. We still have to go to their place. We have another huge game on Sunday - a chance to get to Wembley. But if we keep winning games we'll be there or thereabouts at the moment.

  17. Postpublished at 22:15 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    A good performance by Arsenal in parts, particularly in the first half. They just didn't have the quality Liverpool did when it mattered and a few mistakes proved costly.

    Still in a strong position to finish in fourth place though.

    .Image source, Getty Images
  18. Postpublished at 22:11 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    Jurgen Klopp goes over to the away fans and fist pumps as Virgil van Dijk bats the badge on his chest. The supporters are singing Diogo Jota's name.

    How important will those three points prove to be in the title race?

    .Image source, Getty Images
  19. How things standpublished at 22:08 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    So here's how things stand at the top of the table.

    Liverpool sit a point below Manchester City in second having now played the same number of games.

    Arsenal remain in fourth, with two games in hand on Manchester United, who they lead by a point.

    .Image source, BBC Sport
  20. FULL-TIMEpublished at 22:05 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2022

    Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

    All over. Liverpool have closed the gap to just ONE point on Manchester City.