Saka’s goals keep Arsenal top in 3-2 win over Liverpool

London, The Gulf Observer: Bukayo Saka’s two goals including a penalty kept Arsenal at the top of the Premier League in a hard-fought 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Saka stepped up and coolly converted his spot kick after Liverpool midfielder Thiago ran his studs down Gabriel Jesus’ calf. The penalty put Arsenal ahead for the third and final time in the match, reports AP.

The Gunners had a dream start as Gabriel Martinelli scored after 58 seconds. But Liverpool grew into the game, with Darwin Núñez equalizing in the 34th minute.

Arsenal restored the team’s lead just before halftime in the fifth minute of added time when Saka tapped in from close range to make it 2-1.

But the visitors were back on level terms again in the 53rd when substitute Roberto Firmino latched onto a through ball to score from a tight angle to make it 2-2 with his sixth goal of the season.

But it wasn’t enough for Liverpool to hold on as the team’s poor start to the season continues. Thiago’s challenge on Jesus looked innocuous in real time, but replays showed he clearly made contact with his fellow Brazilian.

Saka, who had to wait for a couple of minutes because of a fracas involving both sets of players, held his nerve to score from the spot. And then the whole team had to hold on as Liverpool threatened yet another equalizer right at the end.

Arsenal is in first place with 24 points, a point ahead of Manchester City. With the win over Liverpool and last weekend’s victory over fierce rival Tottenham, Arsenal fans are starting to believe this team can go on and win a first league title for the club since 2004.

Liverpool is 14 points off the top in 10th place, putting further pressure on manager Jurgen Klopp as his team has failed to impress this season.