Mohamed Salah saved Liverpool by scoring a late equaliser, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw against their title competitor Arsenal on October 27.
Arne Slot’s team was close to experiencing just their second season loss until Salah scored with nine minutes remaining at the Emirates Stadium.
Early Goals from Saka and Van Dijk
Liverpool trailed after Bukayo Saka scored an early goal. Even though Virgil van Dijk levelled the score, Mikel Merino restored Arsenal’s lead before the break.
Salah scored his eighth goal in 13 games this season, benefiting from Arsenal’s recent injuries, including defensive setbacks for Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber, who both left the game in the second half.
Manchester City emerged as the true victors on October 27, as the draw in north London guaranteed their position at the top of the Premier League by the end of the weekend.
Liverpool Impressive Form Under Arne Slot
Unbeaten City, following their 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday, is currently one point in front of second-placed Liverpool, while third-placed Arsenal trails by five points behind the leader.
This was just the second occasion that Liverpool did not secure a win since Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp during the off-season, beginning his tenure at Anfield with 12 wins from 13 matches across all competitions.
Liverpool Resilience Shines
Despite this, Liverpool will likely be more satisfied with the draw after demonstrating remarkable determination to equalise twice against another title rival.
Arsenal were left to nurse their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them severely vulnerable.
They were already missing Riccardo Calafiori, who was out due to an injury sustained in the midweek match against Shakhtar Donetsk, while William Saliba was unavailable because of a ban following his red card in the recent defeat to Bournemouth.
Struggles for Arsenal in Recent Matches
Mikel Arteta’s team has now failed to secure a win in their last two league matches, resulting in just three wins from their previous seven appearances in the top division. This is a significant blow to their aspirations of clinching their first title since 2004.
Saka’s Early Impact
Saka, returning from two matches missed due to injury, had provided Arsenal with an ideal beginning in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s exquisite long ball propelled Saka sprinting down the right side before he skilfully cut back into the Liverpool penalty area, leaving Andrew Robertson behind as he unleashed a powerful strike from close range into the top of the net.
Merino almost handed Liverpool a quick equaliser when he recklessly allowed the ball to go to Salah, who fired his shot just past the target from the edge of the box.
Van Dijk Equaliser from a Set Piece
In recent seasons, Arsenal have frequently excelled at dead-ball situations, largely due to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but this time they were caught off guard as Liverpool equalised in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz outmanoeuvred Kai Havertz to redirect Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner, and Van Dijk positioned himself ahead of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender lowered himself to head the ball in from close range.
Merino Restores Arsenal Lead
Arsenal’s strength in set pieces allowed them to take the lead again in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s playful free kick struck sharply into the Liverpool box, and Merino was ideally positioned to power his header into the net beyond Caoimhin Kelleher from just six yards out.
VAR and a First Goal for Merino
A prolonged VAR inspection took place to verify that Merino was barely onside as the Spain midfielder relished his first goal since joining from Real Sociedad during the off-season.
Arsenal goalie David Raya dove to his right to stop Alexis Mac Allister’s header in the closing moments of an exciting first half.
Arteta’s already patchwork defence faced another setback when Gabriel exited the match with a knee injury following a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Conservative Arsenal, but More Defensive Worries
Due to the absence of their preferred centre-back, Arsenal took on a more conservative strategy, and Raya received a yellow card for time-wasting with more than 20 minutes remaining.
However, the Gunners lost Timber to an injury towards the end, intensifying their defensive problems and giving Liverpool a chance.
Salah Late Strike Secures a Draw
With only nine minutes remaining, Arsenal’s depleted defence was brutally exposed when Alexander-Arnold’s high pass allowed Nunez to break free from teenage sub-Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez passed the ball to the unmarked Salah, who calmly finished as Arsenal fell to the ground in disappointment.
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