Arsenal’s Premier League title charge received a blow Sunday when they were held for a draw by Liverpool at Anfield.
By Bolaji Oyeleke
Arsenal’s Premier League title charge received a blow Sunday when they were held by Liverpool at Anfield.
The Easter Sunday cracker lived up to expectations as it was an end-to-end affair all game round.
The Gunners came into the game having lost just once on the road this season and were hoping to extend their lead on the English premier league table.
Arsenal Drew First Blood
Mikel Arteta’s boys started the game on top with Gabriel Martinelli finding the back of the net in the eighth minute.
They maintained the dominance, which soon earned them the second goal when Martinelli turned provider for Gabriel Jesus to score his eighth goal of the season in the 28th minute of the match.
Payback Time from Liverpool
Anfield came to life in the 42nd minute when Mo Salah tapped in from close a pass from Jordan Henderson to bring Liverpool back into the contest.
The Reds nearly equalize in the additional minute of the first half when Diogo Jota’s volley was saved by Aaron Rasmdale and Henderson blasted the rebound over the crossbar.
Liverpool Miss Twice from the Spot
Liverpool was gifted a penalty kick early in the second half after Rob holding made a clumsy tackle.
The chance was wasted as Merseyside’s Egyptian playmaker fails to convert from the spot, kicking the ball over the crossbar.
Darwin Nunez wasted a big scoring chance after he was played through by Salah in the 81st minute.
The forward couldn’t find the back of the net as his weak shot was stopped by Arsenal’s goalkeeper.
The league leaders were made to suffer in the second half as much of the game was played on their end of the pitch.
INTERESTING READ: Premier League Run-In: Contenders Battle in 9 Finals
The Equalizer: Liverpool Have the Last Laugh
Jorgen Klopp’s men kept on the pressure as they searched for their second goal of the afternoon.
They got the reward in the 87th minute. Roberto Firmino headed home his 8th goal against Arsenal at Anfield from a cross from Trent Alexander Arnold.
Ramsdale: A Rock in Front of the Net
Ramsdale kept Arsenal’s title charge alive as he has done severally throughout the encounter.
He once again tipped off Salah’s curling shot in the 91st minute.
Ramsdale concurrently denied Ibrahim Konate his first premier league goal. He made a save on the goal line in the 95th minute.
The London side left Anfield with a point. It leaves them six points above their closest rival in the title race.
The draw took Liverpool to the 8th position on the league table.
Final Word
This stalemate has surely thrown the title race open. Arsenal still have to play Manchester City and the citizens with a game deficit.