In a thrilling Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Mohamed Salah scored a late equalizer to earn Liverpool a 2-2 draw against rivals Arsenal. The match was marred by injuries for the Gunners, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both limping off during the encounter.
Arsenal struck first in the ninth minute when Bukayo Saka marked his return from injury with a goal. He received a well-placed ball over the top from Ben White, cut inside Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, and found the net past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, bringing his Premier League tally to 50 goals.
Liverpool responded swiftly, with Virgil van Dijk equalizing in the 18th minute. The Dutch defender headed in a flick-on from Luis Diaz during a corner kick, leveling the score at 1-1. “I think to come back twice is a good thing, and we take the point and we move on,” Van Dijk commented to Sky Sports.
Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to press forward, creating several opportunities. Saka came close to scoring again but fired over the bar, and Kai Havertz failed to control a dangerous ball from Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners were adamant for a penalty after Ibrahima Konate’s challenge on Martinelli, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, stating Konate made sufficient contact with the ball. Shortly after, Mikel Merino headed home a free-kick from Declan Rice just before half-time, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal was onside.
The second half saw Liverpool step up their performance. Diaz nearly equalized shortly after the restart, demonstrating his skill with a powerful run down the touchline. However, Arsenal’s injury woes continued, with Gabriel replaced by Jakub Kiwior early in the half, followed by Timber later on.
Despite mounting pressure from Liverpool, Arsenal threatened on the counter-attack. Salah finally found the back of the net in the 81st minute, tapping in a selfless cross from Darwin Nunez. This goal marked Salah’s ascent to eighth on the all-time Premier League scoring list, tying him with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler at 163 goals.
As the match neared its conclusion, Arsenal thought they had clinched a late victory when Havertz and Gabriel Jesus combined to score, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul in the buildup. Arteta expressed his confusion over the decision, stating he was unsure why the foul was called but chose not to elaborate further.
The draw leaves Liverpool in second place with 22 points from nine matches, just one point behind Manchester City, while Arsenal sits third with 18 points. Despite his team’s inability to secure a win, Arteta expressed pride in his players given the injury struggles they currently face. “Very proud of the team, especially with the situation that we are going through at the moment,” he remarked, adding he would prefer a five-point lead over City rather than trailing.
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, reflected positively on the outcome: “Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team, then to get a point is pleasing to see.”
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