Andy Robertson has praised Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka after Liverpool secured a win at the Emirates to boost their Premier League title hopes.
Second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Firmino gave Liverpool, now only one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, a 2-0 victory over top-four contenders Arsenal.
The Gunners were on top for much of the first half and had a huge chance to take the lead after the break as Thiago Alcantara gave the ball away in a dangerous position, but Alisson denied Martin Odegaard from close-range.
Jota put Liverpool ahead three minutes later after beating Aaron Ramsdale at his near post, and Firmino put the game to bed shortly after with a neat finish from Robertson’s cross.
Robertson was pleased with Liverpool’s second-half display and said the Reds did well to keep Arsenal at bay, particularly as Martinelli and Saka were dangerous.
The Scotland defender said: ‘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.’
On the Premier League title race, Robertson added: ‘I don’t like games in hand much, I would rather points. I would still rather be in Man City’s 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.’
