Three key moments from Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal

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Alexis Sanchez introduced

Having gone in at the interval two goals down, and being fortunate it wasn’t more, Arsenal made tactical changes at the break.

Arsene Wenger had made the intriguing call to bench his side’s best player, Alexis Sanchez, for what was a crucial fixture. The decision backfired horribly as his side put in a dismal first 45 minutes. Olivier Giroud, who started in place of the Chilean, was isolated for most of an opening period which saw the Gunners struggle to threaten Liverpool’s goal.

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Francis Coquelin made way for Sanchez at half-time, as Arsenal changed to a 4-3-3 formation. The change had an immediate impact, as Alexis challenged the opposing defence with a testing cross.

As well as his positive direct involvement, the diminutive forward’s introduction had revitalised the entire side. Giroud, in particular, began to look more dangerous. The Frenchman offered much more movement as his teammates pushed further forward than before.