Ian Wright says Liverpool have two players who you underestimate at your peril

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Ian Wright has lauded Liverpool duo Thiago Alcantara and Roberto Firmino in wake of the Reds’ midweek Premier League win.

Jurgen Klopp’s charges have embarked on a nine-game winning run in the league to close the gap on Manchester City.

Liverpool are now on 69 points, just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s table-topping outfit.

The Reds had a big challenge on their hands on Wednesday when they travelled to Arsenal.

Like Liverpool, the Gunners were on a great winning run of their own.

And Arsenal didn’t make it easy for the Anfield outfit, especially in the first half.

Indeed, Thiago nearly gifted Arsenal the lead with a back pass that culminated in a good chance for Martin Odegaard.

However, Liverpool subsequently found their rhythm after the break and went on to score twice.

And Thiago was the architect with a defence-splitting through-ball for Diogo Jota, who slotted past Aaron Ramsdale.

Klopp then replaced Jota and Luis Diaz with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian went on to grab Liverpool’s second with a trademark flicked finish from Andrew Robertson’s delivery.

“You’re going to get (a reaction) from a team of that quality,” Wright said on Optus Sport.

“They know what to do, they’ve been together for a while now.

“They knew they weren’t good enough in that first half but you can’t take anything away from Arsenal, they stopped them from playing.

“(Firmino) wasn’t on, I know he came on at 1-0, but it is a whole different ball game if you give players like Thiago and Firmino time and space, you’re going to get punished.”

Two months ago, Liverpool were 14 points behind Manchester City.

Now, by the time the Citizens are next in action, Liverpool may be on top of the league.