Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 in Premier League thriller, they are serious title contenders

Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling contest that showed just why they are leading the Premier League after nine games.

Bukayo Saka scored twice, including keeping his nerve with a late penalty, as Arsenal returned to the top of the table - a point ahead of Manchester City.

The Gunners went 1-0 up inside a minute at the Emirates in a fast and furious start which saw Gabriel Martinelli nip in behind and fire past Alisson Becker.

Darwin Nunez levelled for the visitors but Arsenal were back in the lead on a stroke of half-time. Trent Alexander-Arnold made an utterly bizarre decision to leave his position and charge towards the ball - leaving Gabriel free in the area.

He produced a defty dummy that allowed Saka to slide in at the far post.

Liverpool equalised against the run of play for a second time through Roberto Firmino but a controversial spot-kick was awarded for Arsenal's winner.

Thiago Alcantara was adjudged to have kicked Gabriel Jesus on the calf when he beat him to the ball and after a long delay - as a result of VAR and a fracas - Saka coolly slotted home.

Arsenal played like they very much belong in a title race while Liverpool continue to look all over the place and are just four points off the relegation zone after a dismal start to the new campaign.

The Reds, currently lurching in tenth, are also a massive 14 points adrift of today's opponents heading in to the game against champions Manchester City next week.