Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser gave Liverpool a point against Premier League title rivals Arsenal in an eventful encounter at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal led twice but were undermined by injuries to key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber in the second half, having already been without the suspended William Saliba.
The setbacks allowed Liverpool to apply pressure and take a point, leaving Manchester City at the top of the table – with Arsenal now five points adrift of the relentless reigning champions.
Arsenal were rewarded for a fast start when Bukayo Saka bamboozled Andy Robertson to score his 50th Premier League goal, striking at the near post after nine minutes.
Their lead only lasted until the 18th minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk equalised, nodding in from close range after Luis Diaz headed on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross at the near post.
Mikel Merino put Arsenal ahead again with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s free-kick shortly before half-time.
Liverpool improved after the break and Salah equalised with a routine finish from Darwin Nunez’s unselfish square ball after he had been set clear by Alexander-Arnold’s superb pass. It leaves them a point behind Manchester City in second place.
Arsenal frustrated despite digging deep
Arsenal were facing a vastly improved Liverpool in the second half while hampered by a depleted defence, yet the home team will be frustrated they were unable to close out what would have been a big win.
The Gunners could hardly afford another loss after slipping up at Bournemouth, such are the title race’s fine margins, and fully deserved their half-time lead after an excellent first 45 minutes.
The returning Saka gave Robertson a torrid time, especially when scoring the first goal, and it was no more than Arsenal merited when Merino dived forward on to Rice’s teasing set-piece delivery to restore their lead after Van Dijk’s equaliser.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was forced into changes with the departure of Gabriel, who was holding an ice pack to his thigh on the bench, and Timber, who had only just returned from injury. The pressure on their backline was consequently mounting before Liverpool broke away for Salah to score.
Arsenal will be disappointed with only a point at home, but the questions that arose about this side’s character after the defeat at Bournemouth were answered again here as they showed real spirit and resilience when Liverpool scented victory in the closing minutes.
The worry for Arteta now is that he may face the loss of both Gabriel and Timber for upcoming games and he will be desperately hoping they both only have minor problems.
Slot will remain level-headed
Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s composed and measured approach is reflected in the adjustments he has made to the team bequeathed to him by predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
He has not been carried away as Liverpool made their way to the top of the table, and Slot will not be too low now after a laboured performance as his team failed to cash in on Arsenal’s defensive crisis in the closing stages.
The force appeared to be with Liverpool as Arsenal lost key players but, while they had plenty of possession, Slot’s team did not apply the sustained pressure that might have brought them a greater reward than Salah’s goal gave them.
Liverpool were fortunate to be only one goal adrift after a poor first-half display when they were outmanoeuvred in midfield and troubled in defence – but when there is Salah there is always hope, even on a relatively quiet day for the Egyptian.
Slot’s team are now in the position familiar to so many others, behind Manchester City, but to be sitting in second place and only a point behind the reigning champions still represents a fine start to the Dutch manager’s time at Anfield.
