Roberto Firmino scored a late equalizer to help Liverpool produce one of the close football results of the weekend in the Premier League. When Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored in a dominating opening 28-minute run, the league-leading Gunners appeared set to pass the biggest test of their title credentials with the first Anfield win since 2012. Before halftime, Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool a lifeline, but his missed second-half penalty appeared to have delivered Arsenal the victory they needed to reclaim their eight-point advantage at the top. But, three minutes from time, Liverpool’s patience was rewarded when Arsenal’s nemesis Firmino leveled the game with a header, his 11th Premier League goal against the Gunners.
The drama continued in a thrilling finale as Arsenal custodian Aaron Ramsdale produced two sensational saves to prevent Salah and Ibrahima Konate from scoring stoppage-time winners, as Arsenal clung to their first Anfield point in seven seasons, which could prove invaluable if their title hopes are to come true. Arsenal is still six points clear at the top of the Premier League and has control of their destiny, but the sight of their seven-game winning streak coming to an end will only empower champions Manchester City, who have played one fewer game and will host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
With Liverpool having only lost once at home this season, the threat of additional Anfield sorrow remained, despite the hosts’ uneven season. However, it only took the Gunners eight minutes to calm their fears as Bukayo Saka’s darting run provoked panic and allowed Martinelli to capitalize on a more shoddy Liverpool defense with a slick low finish into the corner. Liverpool had an opportunity to counter to Arsenal’s free-flowing start, but Oleksandr Zinchenko forced a save from Alisson Becker and Jesus turned Saka’s cross over at the back post before Andy Robertson blazed a drive past the goal.
Jesus rose unimpeded in the Liverpool area before the half-hour mark to strongly head in Martinelli’s wonderful cross, highlighting Arsenal’s dominance. After being outplayed for the first 40 minutes, Liverpool got a lifeline three minutes before the break when Salah bundled at the back post after Curtis Jones and Robertson combined to find Jordan Henderson in the Arsenal area. Ramsdale denied Diogo Jota, with Henderson firing over the rebound, and Arsenal maintained their advantage until half-time when Liverpool full-back Robertson seemed to be elbowed in the face during a disagreement with linesman Constantine Hatzidakis.
The incident fired Liverpool into life in the second half, and within seven minutes of the restart, they had an opportunity to level when Rob Holding took Jota down in the box, but Salah skewed his spot-kick wide, much as he did at Bournemouth in March. Ramsdale denied substitute Darwin Nunez from tying the game after he was let through on goal, but he was powerless as Firmino headed in Alexander-Arnold’s cross for his 11th goal against the Gunners in all competitions. And, after appearing to be on pace for a statement win, Arsenal held on for a point as Salah and Konate were denied by fine Ramsdale saves just as the Gunners’ Anfield curse threatened to reappear.
“It was a completely open game, which has been typical for both us and Arsenal this season. They scored in the first circumstance, and not long after, they scored in the second, and our problems were already significant, but we exacerbated them,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said. “But the reaction was positive, and it was a magnificent game in the end. I’m not sure how we couldn’t win given the chances we had. It’s a point and a positive reaction to the two goals we conceded, but I’m stuck in the middle. I have no difficulty drawing, and it’s a crucial point for Arsenal because if you draw these kinds of games, you have a decent chance of being champions.”
“Wow. A highly exciting game. We started wonderfully, controlled the game, and scored the first goal, and the second goal was a stunning display of skill. We had the game under control until we gave up a rather careless goal. The game then changed the momentum,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “We lost control after halfway, lost far too many simple balls, and the game became really open and chaotic, which they enjoy. They could have scored three or four goals, but they missed a penalty and Aaron (Ramsdale) made some outstanding saves. However, we had several big breakaways and could have scored two or three goals. In the end, the outcome is reasonable.”
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