Martin Odegaard’s first-time pass released Havertz and although the former Chelsea striker’s shot lacked conviction it rebounded off Alisson’s chest and Saka took a touch before confidently sweeping home the rebound.

There was a conspicuous lack of a response by a disjointed Liverpool and they could count themselves fortunate to reach halftime on level terms, courtesy of an Arsenal gift.

Arsenal defender William Saliba, under pressure from Luis Diaz, attempted to shepherd the ball back towards his keeper David Raya but the ball broke loose and the retreating Gabriel ended up bundling it into his own goal.

DOMINANT HALF

It was a deflating end to a dominant half by the hosts and for a few minutes at the start of the second period they were wobbling as Liverpool had a flurry of goal attempts, the best a curling effort just wide from Curtis Jones.

But Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp was clearly not happy with what he was witnessing and made a triple substitution just before the hour with Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez all coming on.

Any Klopp plan was dismantled though by a horrible mix-up between two of his most reliable lieutenants.

A punt forward looked like a simple mopping up job for Van Dijk but he allowed the ball to bounce, a panicking Alisson kicked thin air and Martinelli was left with the simple task of putting the ball into an unguarded net.

“It was a tough day,” Van Dijk said. “I take full responsibility for the 2-1 goal, it was a big turning point. It hurts for me and for the rest of the team.”

Trossard’s goal, which deflected off of Van Dijk’s shin and through Alisson’s legs, rubber-stamped a result that will sow a few seeds of doubt at Anfield.

“Congratulations to Arsenal. We were not good enough today,” Klopp said. “It just shows the boys are human beings.”

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