Jurgen Klopp hails Trent Alexander-Arnold for nullifying ‘talented’ Gabriel Martinelli in Liverpool’s win over Arsenal

Jurgen Klopp hailed Trent Alexander-Arnold for nullifying ‘talented’ Gabriel Martinelli in Liverpool’s win over Arsenal.

In-form Brazilian forward Martinelli was a constant threat for the Gunners but England right-back Alexander-Arnold more than held his own.

Arsenal impressed in the first half and should have taken the lead after the break when Thiago Alcantara gave the ball away in a dangerous position.

Martinelli decided to pass to Martin Odegaard rather than take on Liverpool’s Alisson and the goalkeeper denied the Norwegian playmaker superbly.

Liverpool impressed after the reprieve and two goals within eight minutes from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino secured three points for Klopp’s title-chasing side.

The Reds boss said: ‘Obviously both teams had spells of possession where the other team was patient and didn’t want to step out, but we had to.

‘Trent [Alexander-Arnold] did exceptionally well against Gabriel Martinelli. If anybody tells me Trent can’t defend, I’ll knock them down. I don’t know what the boy has to do anymore.’

Klopp added: ‘In the first half we didn’t have enough players between the lines. The movement was not exactly what it should have been.

‘It was not a big problem because we were prepared for a really difficult game. The speed Arsenal have and their physicality – they’re a really talented team, so I wasn’t angry at half-time. I just wanted to change a few things.

‘It was a sensational save from Alisson [before the opener]. For me it was a goal, to be honest. With their quality, they often finish situations like that.

‘Ali didn’t let it happen. When you always try to find a football solution like Thiago – I would have kicked the ball into the stand probably. He tried to keep it in the game.’

While Mikel