In a headline FA Cup third-round clash, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Arsenal as Jakub Kiwior’s own goal and a late strike by Luis Diaz secured their place in the fourth round. The defeat extended Arsenal’s dismal form into the New Year, marking their third consecutive loss in all competitions.
Arsenal missed several chances in the first half, and Liverpool capitalized when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick deflected off Kiwior’s head in the 80th minute. Diaz then sealed Liverpool’s win with a powerful strike in stoppage time.
In another third-round fixture, holders Manchester City dominated second-tier Huddersfield Town with a convincing 5-0 victory. Phil Foden scored twice, and Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne made a successful return after a four-month injury layoff.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration with his team’s performance, stating, “We just have to win the game, but we lost it and we are not capitalizing. To win games, we need to capitalize.”
Earlier in the match, Reiss Nelson and Martin Odegaard had missed opportunities for Arsenal, while Liverpool, without key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, struggled to find their rhythm. The turning point came in the second half when Kiwior inadvertently scored an own goal, and Diaz secured the win for Liverpool.
Manchester City faced an early setback when defender Manuel Akanji suffered an injury, but they quickly bounced back with Foden’s goals and a successful return for De Bruyne. Coach Pep Guardiola expressed delight at having De Bruyne back, stating, “Kevin helps to win games. It is so important to have him back after a long injury.”
In other FA Cup results, Luton Town drew 0-0 against third-tier Bolton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest had a 2-2 draw against Blackpool, and West Ham United drew 1-1 against second-tier Bristol City. Championship sides Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion secured comfortable wins, with Leeds defeating Peterborough United 3-0, and West Bromwich Albion winning 4-1 against Aldershot Town.
