Gunners failed to capitalize on their lead
Arsenal and Liverpool held each other for a draw in a 2-2 thriller at Anfield, a result that will have strong implications for both the Premier League title and the battle for the Champions League football.
The Gunners started the game well and went ahead through a Gabriel Martinelli goal in the 8th minute, a quick transition from Gunners led them to their second goal, Martinelli crossing the ball into the box for Gabriel Jesus to meet with a fantastic header extending their lead in the 28th minute. Liverpool were passive in the opening half but a Mohammed Salah goal in just before the half time brought them back into the game.
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It was a game of two halves , after the break Liverpool came out with more intent, dominating possession and out attempted Mikel Arteta’s men 17-9. Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Jota was clumsily fouled in the Arsenal box in the 52nd minute, however Salah missed the chance to equalise, Jurgen Klopp’s men eventually found their way past Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal nemesis Roberto Firminho came in clutch to scored to level the score 3 minutes before 90′.
Arteta’s men were in 4-4-2 formation off the ball with Jesus and Odegaard upfront. In the opening half Liverpool lacked midfield progression, Klopp tried to gain numerical superiority in the midfield moving with 3-5-3 formation with the ball involving Alisson in build up with Van Dijk and Konate, Arsenal’s midfield got outnumbered as Robertson’s attacking influence increased in the second half, Trent played as a dedicated pivot alongside Fabinho. Liverpool inverting Trent between Konate and Van Dijk has been useful in transitions and outnumbered Arsenal’s box-midfield system.
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Arsenal lost their control they became more passive as the game went on. Aaron Ramsdale produced two stunning saves denying Salah and Konate in the final minutes and ensured Gunners left Anfield with a point. Arsenal has failed to win at the Anfield since 2012, Mikel Arteta was a part of the Arsenal team then.
A draw means Liverpool will be 8th in the points table just above Brentford, and Manchester City can very well regain the lead over Arsenal with a game in hand, both teams will face each other later this month at the Etihad which could possibly be the title decider.
