Liverpool were simply too strong for Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

In a potentially season-defining clash at the Emirates, Jurgen Klopp's side flexed their footballing muscles and picked up a crucial 2-0 win.

Second half goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino were enough for victory in north London and the Reds are now just one point behind table-toppers Manchester City.

Liverpool's performance was one befitting of Premier League champions, although Arsenal players can still hold their heads high after events at the Emirates Stadium - Gabriel Martinelli in particular.

The Brazilian forward was absolutely electric on the left and Trent Alexander-Arnold really struggled to contain him.

Martinelli breezed past the England international on a number of occasions, including during a passage of play in which he came agonisingly close to producing one of the Premier League's greatest ever assists.

At the start of the second half, the 20-year-old picked the ball up on the left wing and bolted away from both Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz towards the corner flag.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal battles for possession with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Martinelli then went into 'beast mode'. The Arsenal starlet left Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson trailing in his wake and then danced past Alexander-Arnold by the touchline with some silky footwork.

He then put the ball into a perfect area for a teammate to score, but Martin Odegaard just couldn't get on the end of the pass, which saw us robbed of a legendary assist.

Take a look at Martinelli's magic here...

Video: Martinelli came close to incredible assist vs Liverpool

When Martinelli is in full flow, there's just no stopping him and it's why Klopp referred to the youngster as a "talent of the century" when Liverpool and Arsenal met back in 2019.

The German manager was also full of praise for Martinelli after his team's 2-0 win at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup back in January.

Klopp told Sky Sports after that game: "Martinelli by the way, everybody should remember that name because he's an outstanding player."

Following Wednesday night's encounter, the Liverpool boss brought up Martinelli again, only this time he also complimented Alexander-Arnold's display up against him.

Video: Klopp praises Alexander-Arnold after Martinelli battle

Strong words from Klopp in defence of his supremely-gifted defender.

Liverpool will now switch focus to their FA Cup quarter-final versus Nottingham Forest on the weekend, while Martinelli and Arsenal will regroup for their trip to Aston Villa in Saturday's early kick-off.

After Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday, that game against Steven Gerrard's side is now a must-win for the Gunners...