Liverpool clinched a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a late equalizer by Mohamed Salah in a gripping Premier League clash that saw both sides exchanging blows. Arsenal suffered additional setbacks as defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber exited the game with injuries, compounding their current defensive struggles.
Arsenal took the early lead in the ninth minute when Bukayo Saka marked his return from injury with a brilliant run onto Ben White’s lofted pass, expertly cutting inside Liverpool’s Andy Robertson before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher for his milestone 50th Premier League goal.
Liverpool soon responded, with Virgil van Dijk—fortunate to stay on the pitch after a skirmish with Kai Havertz—heading in a deft flick-on from Luis Diaz nine minutes later to level the score. Reflecting on the team’s comeback, Van Dijk noted to Sky Sports, “To come back twice is a good thing, and we’ll take the point as we move forward.”
Arsenal responded with renewed pressure, creating opportunities through Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The Emirates crowd appealed for a penalty after a clumsy Ibrahima Konate tackle on Martinelli, but referee Anthony Taylor judged the Liverpool defender had made enough contact with the ball. Just before halftime, Mikel Merino capitalized on a Declan Rice free-kick to score his debut Arsenal goal with a powerful header. Following a VAR review for potential offside, the goal stood, placing Arsenal back in front.
However, Liverpool refused to relent, with Salah seizing a late opportunity to bring his team level, ensuring a valuable away point in the closing minutes.
