Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: The Reds equalize twice and save a point – Liverpool FC

Liverpool came back twice and shared the spoils with Arsenal, but the Reds' performance made even a draw look like they had been released from prison.

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

Premier League (9) | Emirates Stadium
October 27, 2024

Goals

Saka 9′
Van Dijk 18' (assist: Diaz)
Merino 43′
Salah 81' (assist: Nunez)

Arne Slot made a surprising selection in midfield, with Curtis Jones preferred over Dominik Szoboszlai.

It was no surprise that injury-hit Arsenal had captain Bukayo Saka back in their lineup, as the home side had two of their supposed best players injured – as did Liverpool (Alisson and Diogo Jota).

Inevitably it was Saka who opened the scoring early on, firing a high shot past Kelleher at the near post in the ninth minute, having completely beaten Andy Robertson.

The finish was quite emphatic from Saka, but it was a poor goal to concede as several players didn't do their job accurately.

The Reds equalized in the 18th minute through Virgil van Dijk nodded in from close range after Luis Diaz sent in a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, Arsenal should have restored the lead within a minute when Liverpool gave away another sloppy free-kick and Merino missed unmarked six meters from goal.

Mikel Arteta's side dominated the rest of the first half, seemingly targeting Liverpool's left side while Saka caused major problems.

Liverpool failed to gain possession of the ball or gain a foothold in the game, constantly losing tackles and unable to keep the ball in attack.

So it was no surprise when Arsenal took the lead again before half-time when Merino headed a free-kick into the goal, after Liverpool had failed to learn their lesson when the same player had previously had a free-kick from the exact same set-piece.

That brought the half to the point when he missed a sloppy free kick in a dangerous area and was penalized for it.

It was one of four fouls by Diaz in the first half, with the Colombian also suffering two turnovers, losing 11 of 16 duels and losing two tackles in a really weak defensive half.

Half time: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Slot really needed to make a change at halftime but decided not to make any personnel changes.

Arsenal, already without centre-back William Saliba due to suspension, were without Gabriel at the start of the second half due to injury. A makeshift duo of Ben White and substitute Jakub Kiwior played the rest of the game.

Slot waited hours to make changes; Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas replace Mac Allister, Diaz and Robertson. All changes that could have happened at halftime.

Liverpool huffed and puffed without showing much end result, but Alexander-Arnold eventually found his passing range to release Nunez and he assisted Salah equalized in the 81st minute.

The Reds were now favorites to win, but Kelleher had to make a good save to deny Gabriel Jesus.

Was it a completely poor performance or a sign that Liverpool weren't quite at Arsenal's level?

TIA Man of the Match: Ibrahima Konate

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Participation: 60,383

Arsenal: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz

Substitutes: Neto, Kiwior, Nichols, Zinchenko, Nwaneri, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Sterling, Jesus

Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson (Tsimikas 63′); Gravenberch, Jones (Endo 90+1′), Mac Allister (Szoboszlai 63′); Salah, Diaz (Gakpo 63′), Nunez

Substitutes not used: Jaros, Davies, Quansah, Gomez, Morton

Next game: Brighton (Carabao Cup; away, Wednesday October 30)