Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his determination to keep Arsenal in the Premier League title race, despite setbacks in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool. He acknowledged that a lack of “courage” in the second half played a crucial role in the match's outcome.
In an intense showdown at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal took the lead twice but ultimately conceded a late equalizer by Mohamed Salah just nine minutes before full-time. Arsenal started strong, with Bukayo Saka scoring early, only for Liverpool to equalize through Virgil van Dijk. Mikel Merino then put Arsenal back in front with a header just before half-time.
However, injuries in the second half affected Arsenal's defense. Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both had to leave the game, joining an already depleted defense missing William Saliba (suspension) and Riccardo Calafiori (injury). Arsenal's lineup was reshuffled, with midfielder Thomas Partey at right-back and Ben White moved from right-back to central defense. Jakub Kiwior came in as a center-back replacement, while teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly took up the left-back role.
Liverpool capitalized on Arsenal’s weakened defense, with Trent Alexander-Arnold finding an opening to assist Darwin Nunez, who set up Salah’s equalizer. The draw leaves Arsenal in third place, five points behind league leaders Manchester City, having won only three of their last seven games.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta voiced his frustration: “The first half was total domination, the scoreline should have been bigger, but without giving anything away we conceded two goals. That is the disappointing thing. We were better by far, but we didn't do a couple of things better in the second half, that's why we didn't win. We didn't have courage. I'm more disappointed and frustrated by that."
Arteta acknowledged Arsenal’s defensive challenges were a factor but remained optimistic. “Very proud of the team especially with the (injury) situation we are going through at the moment that you couldn't imagine,” he said. He confirmed that Arsenal would adapt to these challenges and continue to fight, though he was unable to provide immediate updates on Gabriel and Timber’s conditions.
In his post-match comments, Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp earlier in the season, celebrated his team’s resilience. Slot’s Liverpool, currently second in the standings, has enjoyed an impressive start, recently defeating Chelsea and Leipzig before securing this point against Arsenal. “Going behind two times against a very good team, to get a point is pleasing to see. They dominated us in the first half. We came back so strong in the second half,” Slot remarked.
Salah’s goal marked his 163rd in the Premier League, moving him into joint-eighth place on Liverpool’s all-time scorers list alongside Robbie Fowler. Praising Salah’s contributions, Slot noted, “That's one of the things top players have, they show up in big games. Big clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal need to have these players that can make a difference for you. Mo was the one who did that today.”
Liverpool’s comeback puts them just one point behind Manchester City, signaling that the title race is heating up as both clubs compete at the top of the table.
