Arsenal held to a draw by resilient liverpool

After weeks out, Saka returned in style, nutmegging Robertson and firing into the roof of the net past Kelleher to give Arsenal an early lead. Partey’s positioning brought stability & allowed Arsenal to control the game. He exploited the gaps left by Jones’s advanced role as Mac Allister and Gravenberch shored up Liverpool’s midfield, whilst Havertz & Trossard kept the Liverpool duo busy. After a set piece goal each, Arsenal held a narrow 2-1 lead going into the break.

However, injuries to Timber and Gabriel forced an already makeshift defence to reshuffle with Lewis-Skelly and Kiwior replacing them. When Gabriel went off, Arsenal instinctively retreated, giving Liverpool more control & freedom. Unsurprisingly Trent found himself on the ball in transition and sent Nunez down the line as Salah cut into the box to level the game with a cool one-touch finish. Kiwior and Lewis-Skelly were caught following Salah wide, leaving him space to cut in & grab a point for his team.

Defensively, both teams held firm despite conceding two goals each. In open play when the teams were boxed in, the lack of space completely killed the game as neither side could pick the lock to their opponent's defence. Arsenal’s right flank, with Havertz, Rice, Partey, and Saka did cause problems though as they overloaded Robertson, who was undeservedly criticised again.

This was Liverpool’s toughest test so far this campaign, but they fought back twice to secure a draw, proving they’re adapting well post-Klopp. Slot’s counter-attacking style seems a perfect fit, springing players forward quickly and pressing high.

For Arsenal, this felt like a missed chance. However given their recent form where they have struggled to play their best football, that performance with some big names out should give them more confidence to go out, perform & slowly reel in that 5-point gap to leaders Man City.