Andy Robertson praises Arsenal duo after Liverpool win at the Emirates to boost Premier League title hopes

Andy Robertson praised Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka after Liverpool secured a crucial win at the Emirates to boost their Premier League title hopes.

Second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino gave Liverpool, now just one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, a 2-0 win over top-four contenders Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side 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 goalkeeper Alisson denied Martin Odegaard from close-range.

Jota put Liverpool ahead just three minutes later after beating Aaron Ramsdale at his near post, and substitute Firmino put the game to bed shortly after with a neat finish from Robertson’s cross.

Robertson was pleased with Liverpool’s second-half performance and said the Reds did well to keep Arsenal at bay, particularly as Martinelli and Saka were dangerous throughout.

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 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