Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a man-of-the-match display as Liverpool mauled Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates to boost their top-four hopes.
The Liverpool full-back has had an underwhelming season by his lofty standards, and his latest showing will encourage Kopites.
The 22-year-old created four chances, two tackles, and three interceptions in an all-action display against the Gunners in what was a perfect Saturday for Jürgen Klopp’s men.
Chelsea were stunned at home to West Brom and Leicester were beaten by Manchester City, and they took full advantage.
With eight matches left, they are just two points off fourth. Their confidence is repaired and their spirits restored after an injury-hit underwhelming title defence.
Liverpool have now recorded three straight wins – the first time they’ve managed that since November – and three clean sheets in a row.
Form is Temporary, Class is Permanent
Klopp was full of praise for his right-back, as he delivered an inspired showing after being dropped from the England squad for the March International Break.
‘Trent showed his class again.’
‘Look, I don’t want to make another funny discussion about Trent or stuff like that. It’s Gareth’s decision.
‘He’s pretty much blessed with the choice he has in that position especially. But Trent is in a good shape and if somebody says he’s not, then I have to say that’s wrong. So that’s all.
‘Apart from that, Gareth(Southgate) makes his decisions, not I do. I’m not responsible for his decisions.’
Alexander-Arnold delivered a fantastic cross for substitute Diogo Jota to open the scoring and was involved in the other goals as Liverpool made a roaring statement.
The England international has been badly affected by the well-documented injuries at centre-back, as his defensive lapses have been exposed by the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, Joël Matip, and Joe Gomez; whilst the attackers failed to convert chances.
Getting Edgy at the Fourth
On this win for Liverpool and where it leaves them in the fight for a top-four finish, Klopp continued: ‘It was a very important statement for us because we need to show we can fight.
‘We don’t look at West Ham, Leicester, or Chelsea. We have enough games. We don’t start dreaming. We will just keep working. It’s a nice sign, we are still there. Tonight the package was really good.’
Liverpool could well enjoy a grand end to the season, as their late revival promises a frenzied end to this season’s top four race; with Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham, and Everton all involved with the Merseysiders in a spot for the lucrative Champions League qualification.
