Forget the unexpected defeat against Bournemouth and hurt a direct opponent, such was the mission of Arsenal, which hosted Liverpool this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. A more than tough opponent because they have been at the top of the Premier League until then, with only one defeat in 8 days. Arsenal, for their part, presented themselves with a team deprived of Saliba, forcing Arteta to tinker with Partey at right back to refocus Ben White alongside Gabriel.
Despite these adjustments, it was the Gunners who struck first. White threw Saka deep, and the England international ridiculed Robertson before blasting Kelleher with a shot under the bar at the near post (1-0, 9th). Arsenal was then content to wait for the Reds, and only a control error from Merino offered a chance to strike to Salah, who did not fit (14th). But Liverpool would quickly return to one of their strengths, corners. Alexander-Arnold kicked one, Luis Diaz extended with a header and Van Dijk mischievously slipped his into the heart of the defense to deceive Raya (1-1, 18th). Saliba’s absence weighed heavily at that moment… Arsenal therefore moved forward, and upped the pace a notch.
Liverpool reacted
More determined, more determined, Arteta’s men gained the upper hand over those of Arne Slot, embarrassed as ever. The only thing missing was precision in the last move, Havertz missing his controls in the area. It was still going to work from a set piece, again a big strong point. Declan Rice placed a love ball on the head of Merino, who shot Kelleher (2-1, 43rd). We then expected a big reaction from the Reds upon returning from the locker room, but it did not come. So Arne Slot launched Gakpo and Szoboszlai in particular.
Liverpool circled around the Gunners defense without managing to penetrate it. And he offered some ammunition on failed raises. Arsenal failed to make the break on attempts by Kai Havertz in particular. And as is often the case in this type of case, the London club was punished, on a counter led by Nuñez and finished calmly by the essential Salah (2-2, 81st). Havertz thought he would snatch victory but he was guilty of a mistake to complete his action. An almost logical draw, considering the two distinct periods. To Arsenal the first, to Liverpool the second. But to Manchester City first place in the Premier League.
