LIVERPOOL, England (AP) " Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's surprise decision to drop star player Alexis Sanchez backfired as Liverpool won 3-1 in the English Premier League at Anfield to reignite its ambitions of Champions League qualification on Saturday. Arsenal was much improved with Sanchez on the field and he set up Danny Welbeck's goal in the 57th minute with a pass through the heart of Liverpool's defense. Liverpool sealed victory in stoppage time through Georginio Wijnaldum's goal on the break to clinch only its second win in eight league matches in 2017. Wenger said he selected Olivier Giroud over Sanchez as the starting striker to offer a direct, physical option in attack. Arsenal was suddenly more dangerous with its 17-goal forward on the field and Liverpool finally had an opponent to fear.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 04, 2017 19:42 UTC