Match Analysis: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Arsenal reached the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday with an entertaining 2-1 win at home to Liverpool.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the Gunners ahead on 16 minutes and Lukas Podolski doubled their advantage shortly after half time.

Steven Gerrard pulled a goal back for Liverpool from the penalty spot with just over 30 minutes left, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at the Emirates Stadium.

Match statistics

Arsenal Shots: 8 On target: 3 Possession: 43% Corners: 8 Fouls: 19

Liverpool Shots: 15 On target: 7 Possession: 57% Corners: 5 Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

While it is Arsenal who are into the last eight of the competition, this match really could have gone either way. Both sides attacked and defended with plenty of energy throughout, although it was the Gunners who managed to take their chances in front of goal.

Arsenal's performance

The Gunners were able to put to bed last weekend's woeful display at Anfield as they gave a committed performance that was full of enthusiasm, confidence and urgency. They rode their luck at times in defence as Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez caused persistent problems, but it was in attack where they really took the game to Liverpool. Their trademark passing and movement was back, while the directness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski meant that they always looked dangerous in the final third. Could this be the year that they finally win silverware?

Liverpool's performance

Liverpool would have gone through to the quarter-finals on any other day, but a lack of finishing ultimately cost them a place in the last eight. They did little wrong in terms of balance and creativity as the midfield did its usual job, while Sturridge and Suarez buzzed around up front. However, they were missing the kind of devastating, clinical edge that has dazzled spectators over the course of this season. A bad day at the office perhaps, but manager Brendan Rodgers will not be disappointed in his players.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: The Arsenal winger was dynamic throughout and showed no fear in running at the Liverpool defence while trying to create chances for his side. Not only that, but he also took his goal really well to put the hosts in front early on.

Biggest gaffe

Santi Cazorla had a great chance to kill off Liverpool after coming off the bench, but the Spaniard smashed his shot high over the crossbar when he had time and space to do much better.

Referee performance

Where does one start? Howard Webb had a poor game out in the middle, getting a number of important decisions wrong. He failed to give Liverpool a second penalty when Luis Suarez was chopped down by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Steven Gerrard was lucky not to get a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on the Arsenal man. Webb continued to make mistakes throughout the match and nearly ruined what was an exciting contest.

What next?

Arsenal: The Gunners return to Champions League action on Wednesday as Bayern Munich arrive at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Liverpool: The Reds continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday when they welcome Swansea City to Anfield.