Liverpool came from two goals down to deny Arsenal their first win at Anfield in almost 12 years. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in front in a blistering first quarter of the game before Mohammed Salah scored a goal late in the half to bring the home side back into the game.
Substitute Roberto Firmino completed the comeback for Jurgen Klopp’s men three minutes before the end of the game with Arsenal needing big saves from Aaron Ramsdale to return home with a point.
Arsenal were in search of their first victory at Anfield since September 2012 and started the game strongly with the opening goal on eight minutes through Martinelli.
The goal started with Bukayo Saka’s run on the right, who found Jesus in the middle. The Brazilian’s pass was deflected by Virgil Van Dijk into the path of Martinelli who rolled the ball past Alisson in goal.
Arsenal doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Martinelli’s inch-perfect cross was headed home by compatriot Jesus.
Liverpool grabbed a goal just before halftime when Diogo Jota’s cross was deflected by Jordan Henderson into the path of Salah at the near post to end the half 2-1.
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute when Rob Holding’s tackle on Diogo Jota was awarded a penalty by the referee. However, Salah missed from the spot to keep the Gunners ahead.
Firmino scored his 11th goal against Arsenal in the 87th minute to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points.
Aaron Ramsdale made a crucial save to give Arsenal a point against Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)
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After the game, the manager reflected on the dropped points and said Arsenal needed ‘magic moments’, which he pointed out were provided by goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to save a point for the league leaders against Liverpool.
“When you concede at the end, it’s always like two dropped points. But Liverpool had four big chances and could have scored a penalty.
“You also need your goalkeeper in title races, you need magic moments from your keeper and Aaron was there for us, just like Alisson has been for Liverpool so many times. But we look at ourselves in the mirror and could have done better with some big chances.
“We started well in the first few minutes but then lost control. It became a very transitional game, very chaotic. Liverpool could score three or four, but it is true we could have scored two or three, so maybe in the end the score is fair.”
Arteta also said playing at Anfield is difficult for any away side against Liverpool.
“I haven’t seen anyone dominate in this ground this season. They beat every big team here, they played Real Madrid and could have been four up after 20 minutes. They are going to have moments. You need to deal with them and we did. Our goalkeeper had a big part in that.
“It was a super-intense game, we had to suffer and rely on big defensive moments. But when you look at what Liverpool have done to big teams, even this season, they are an exceptional team. When they raise their level to that, even the big teams can’t cope with them.
“We could taken three points, but we didn’t. We have to take the point and move on. We’ve been responding for 31 games. Every game is a test for us,” Arteta said.
Arsenal will continue their quest for a first league title since 2004 with a trip to West Ham United on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
