Aaron the hero (© Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Aaron the hero (© Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal go two up at Anfield before hanging on the ropes as Ramsdale saves the day for Arteta

Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 09.04.23. | 20:41

League leaders draw to Liverpool away (2-2) after a magnificent start

What a rollercoaster that was! In one of the most intense EPL games we've witnessed in the last couple of months, Liverpool and Arsenal share spoils, 2-2, in the ultimate match of this Premier League round.

What started as Arsenal's tremendous showpiece with a two-goal lead inside half an hour ended in a traumatic finish, with the hosts missing a penalty and a couple more promising chances that could have earned them all three points and a complete comeback.

Now, the Gunners are six points clear of Manchester City at the top, but the Cityzens have a game in hand and a slightly better goal difference than the top title contenders.

Mikel Arteta's side did their best to prove they're after the crown straight from the kick-off against Klopp's boys, as their offensive-oriented game quickly paid its dividends.

One of those fast, well-executed build-ups launched by Saka provided Martinelli with a fine opportunity once Van Dijk made a sloppy clearance and the Brazilian reacted marvellously to put his side in front after just eight minutes.

Jurgen Klopp was aware the match was already slipping through his fingers, so he ordered immediate riposte, but Robertson's missile went just inches wide of the left post.

Then, again Martinelli thought it was a good time to show his set of skills, this time not as a scorer but as a passer, with a superb cross from the left that landed on Gabriel Jesus' head for 2-0 within 30 minutes.

Others would probably surrender at that moment already, but the Scousers are of a different ilk, despite this unimpressive season. They kept searching for spaces in the final third, and it finally came three minutes before the interval with a lovely four-piece action. Jones put it lovely for Jota on the left flank, the Portuguese swerved it to Henderson, and the Reds captain made a jaw-dropping assist to Salah for a final hit, 2-1.

The same man could have become a true hero if only he didn't fire that penalty so dreadful a few minutes into the second half. Holding wasn't the sharpest pen in Arteta's pencil at Anfield, mainly thanks to that clumsy tackle on Jota that was rightfully sanctioned, but Salah missed the chance from the spot to score his tenth EPL goal against Arsenal. Another opportunity arose a minute or two later, as his left peg endangered Arsenal's defence, yet Ramsdale shone with his outstanding save to keep it 2-1.

Despite that, by that moment, it was apparent Arsenal had lost some of its earlier sharpness and were flirting heavily with another ball in the back of their net. Arteta, though, didn't seem too worried, or at least his moves by the sidelines didn't demonstrate any concern, making no changes before the game's finish.

His counterpart, on the other hand, made quite a few, gaining a lot of energy with Darwin Nunez and Thiago Alcantara. The former found himself in a perfect position following a link-up with Salah, but Nunez's finishing in that one-on-one with Ramsdale was truly awful.

Thankfully for the Reds, that wasn't the case with veteran Bobby Firmino, as the experienced sub scored a lovely header following TAA's cross, who made it all possible after nutmegging Zynchenko on the right.

Still, it wasn't over yet, especially not for Liverpool, who rushed for the win, but impeccable Ramsdale made his presence visible even in the stoppage time to keep that point in Arsenal's pocket in the end.

PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 30

Saturday

Man.Utd. - Everton 2-0 (1-0)

/McTominay 26, Martial 71/

Aston Villa - Nott.Forest 2-0 (0-0)

/Traore 48, Watkins 90+5/

Brentford - Newcastle 1-2 (1-0)

/Toney 45+1 pen - Joelinton 54, Isak 61/

Fulham - West Ham 0-1 (0-1)

/Reed 10 og/

Leicester - Bournemouth 0-1 (0-0)

/Billing 40/

Tottenham - Brighton 2-1 (1-1)

/Son 10, Kane 79 - Dunk 34/

Wolverhampton - Chelsea 1-0 (1-0)

/Nunes 32/

Southampton - Man.City 1-4 (0-1)

/Mara 72 - Haaland 45, 68, Grealish 63, Alvarez 74/

Sunday

Leeds - Crystal Palace 1-5 (1-1)

/Bamford 21 - Guehi 45+1, Ayew 53, 77, Eze 55, Edouard 69/

Liverpool - Arsenal 2-2 (1-2)

/Salah 42, Firmino 86 - Martinelli 8, Jesus 28/



tags

ArsenalLiverpoolEnglish Premier LeagueMikel ArtetaJurgen KloppMohamed SalahGabriel MartinelliGabriel Jesus

Other News