Coutinho nets twice as Reds win Emirates thriller

Philippe Coutinho struck twice before limping off as the Reds secured only their second win in 14 attempts at the Emirates.

Jurgen Klopp's side hit back after an error-strewn first-half display which saw Simon Mignolet save Theo Walcott's penalty before he was beaten by the Gunners winger.

Coutinho equalised just before the break with a classy free-kick and then in the second half Liverpool ran riot.

Adam Lallana, Coutinho and Sadio Mane put them 4-1 up before goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers set up a nervy finale.

Klopp sprung a surprise with his selection as Emre Can was left out with Gini Wijnaldum making his debut in midfield alongside captain Jordan Henderson.

A defensive injury crisis meant Arsenal fielded a makeshift centre-back combination of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers but they were rarely tested during a first half which Arsenal dominated.

Liverpool were sloppy in possession and gifted the hosts the initiative.

Aaron Ramsey forced an early save from Mignolet before the Wales international pounced on Alberto Moreno's header. The Spanish left-back got across to atone for his error.

Nathaniel Clyne tested Petr Cech but the Reds struggled to create clear cut chances.

Just before the half hour mark Moreno pressed the self-destruct button - making a reckless challenge on Walcott inside the box.

Mignolet dived to his right to expertly keep out Walcott's spot-kick but Liverpool's joy didn't last long.

Just seconds later Moreno was caught napping again and this time Walcott made him pay, drilling low into the far corner.

Liverpool's initial response was muted. Wijnaldum fired tamely at Cech after being teed up by Coutinho.

However, on the stroke of half-time they bagged an equaliser as Coutinho curled a stunning 25-yard free-kick into the top corner.

It was the perfect lift for the Reds and in the second half they simply blew Arsenal away.

Within four minutes they were in front. Coutinho released Wijnaldum and his cross picked out the run of Lallana, whose took it down on his chest and finished in style.

Liverpool were rampant and it was soon 3-1 as Coutinho tucked away Clyne's drilled cross.

Mane then took centre stage, bursting away from Nacho Monreal and Chambers before lashing a left-footer into the top corner.

The travelling Kop were in dreamland but Arsenal rallied.

Substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot deflected off Dejan Lovren and left Mignolet beaten.

Liverpool's cause wasn't helped by the sight of Coutinho limping off with Emre Can replacing him.

With 15 minutes to go it was 4-3 when Chambers nodded home Santi Cazorla's free-kick.

Divock Origi replaced Lallana and Kevin Stewart came on for Wijnaldum as Liverpool regained their composure to clinch a precious three points.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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