Arsenal lucky to escape with draw after Salah comes up short

Arsenal lucky to escape with draw after Salah comes up short

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 18:37 - 09.04.2023

Liverpool came from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and blow the title race open in a pulsating Premier League clash at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah missed a crucial second-half Penalty as Liverpool came from behind to deny Arsenal a first league victory at Anfield since 2012.

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How it happened - Arsenal make cracking start

Mikel Arteta’s men began the game in electric fashion, showing no respect to their hosts and duly taking the lead inside the opening ten minutes.

 The struggling Virgil van Dijk made a costly mistake and allowed Gabriel Martinelli to poke home.

Soon after, it was 2-0 to Arsenal. Martinelli found space again and set up Gabriel Jesus to finish and send the away fans into a frenzy.

Liverpool tried to respond but wasted several decent openings before Mohamed Salah gave the hosts a lifeline just before the break. 

Andy Robertson was involved in a bizarre altercation with the referee’s assistant during the interval to add even more fire to an already tense atmosphere

Salah's misses penalty, Liverpool snatch vital point

The hosts dominated the entire second period and would be disappointed with the outcome. They should have gone level on 54 minutes but the usually reliable Salah rolled his spot-kick wide of Ramsdale's post.

Mohamed Salah after his penalty miss for Liverpool against Arsenal

Arsenal were faced with such constant pressure that they had to defend deep throughout but they were unable to sustain it until the final whistle. 

Liverpool found an equaliser through substitute Roberto Firmino who headed home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross three minutes from time.

This result means The Gunners are now six points clear of second-placed Manchester City having played a game more. 

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Liverpool remain eighth but are now 12 points adrift of Manchester United in fourth spot.