Arsenal put on a spirited performance against Liverpool with a depleted defense, but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Sunday.
Leading into the match, much of the focus was on Arsenal’s need to avoid defeat to steer clear of further challenges, and the team delivered with renewed energy as promised by Mikel Arteta. Despite their effort, Arsenal couldn’t hold onto the lead, facing injury setbacks in a tightly contested match between two title contenders.
Arsenal opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes. Ben White’s long ball caught Liverpool off guard, and Bukayo Saka, returning from injury, expertly controlled it, sent Andy Robertson sprawling, and slotted the ball past Caomhin Kelleher at the near post, marking his 50th Premier League goal.
Liverpool quickly responded, though. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner found Luis Diaz, who flicked it on, allowing Virgil van Dijk to nod it home past Thomas Partey to equalize.
Arsenal regained the lead just before halftime. Declan Rice delivered a menacing free-kick from deep, and Mikel Merino rose above the crowd to head it past Kelleher. After a lengthy VAR check, Merino’s goal stood by a narrow onside decision.
Arsenal largely controlled the second half but conceded an equalizer in the final 10 minutes. Alexander-Arnold’s incisive pass found Darwin Nunez, who set up Mohamed Salah for a simple finish.
As stoppage time loomed, Arsenal appeared to grab a late winner when Kai Havertz chipped Kelleher, but the celebrations were cut short due to a prior foul, leaving both sides to share the points.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
- David Raya (6/10): Mostly shielded by his defense, Raya was reliable when needed to protect the near post and handle Liverpool’s increased crossing.
- Thomas Partey (6/10): Lacked judgment on Liverpool’s first goal but was more effective in open play, providing solid cover on the right.
- Ben White (8/10): Shifted to center-back in Saliba’s absence and impressed, including an assist for Saka’s goal with a pinpoint long ball.
- Gabriel (6/10): Made some crucial clearances in the first half but was substituted early in the second due to a knee injury from a clash with Nunez.
- Jurrien Timber (6/10): Played well in his return from injury, holding off Salah effectively. Left the game with cramp, limiting his full impact.
Midfield
- Bukayo Saka (8/10): Fans were eager to see him back, and he delivered with a skillful goal and sharp performance. Liverpool’s defenders frequently targeted him physically, leading to his eventual substitution.
- Mikel Merino (7/10): Nearly gifted Liverpool a goal but redeemed himself with his first Arsenal score just before halftime. Helped manage the tempo when needed.
- Declan Rice (6/10): Showed his usual grit and effectiveness, contributing well on set-pieces. Lacked some of the dynamic play seen in previous seasons but stayed crucial to Arsenal’s midfield.
- Gabriel Martinelli (5/10): Used his speed to keep Liverpool on their toes, but was often outmuscled by Ibrahima Konate and was eventually replaced.
Attack
- Kai Havertz (5/10): Frequently on the receiving end of tough tackles and couldn’t find his rhythm on the ball. Failed to pose a serious threat to Liverpool’s defense.
- Leandro Trossard (6/10): Worked tirelessly to link the attack with midfield, moving fluidly between lines and stepping up to the wing after Martinelli’s exit.
Subs & Manager
- Jakub Kiwior (6/10): Entered for Gabriel and made an immediate impact with a solid tackle but struggled to contain Liverpool’s late push, leading to Salah’s equalizer.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10): Tasked with containing Salah in the last 15 minutes, a tough assignment for the young substitute.
- Gabriel Jesus (N/A): Came on too late to make a significant difference. Booked post-match for protesting with the referee.
- Ethan Nwaneri (N/A): Replaced Martinelli with minimal time left, managing a few touches but no major influence.
- Mikel Arteta (7/10): Devised a solid plan given Arsenal’s defensive issues. However, the team may feel unlucky to have only secured a point.
