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FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool - Saka with early goal, Van Dijk levels before Merino restores lead, but Salah earns visitors a draw
Liverpool one point off leaders Man City, Arsenal five from top
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Image source, Rex Features
Image source, Reuters
Image source, Rex Features
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Tyler Omaha: Ending the game with a back four of Partey, White, Kiwior and Lewis-Skelly and yet people are saying the injuries to both side were fairly even. Arsenal did more than well enough with the hand they got dealt.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal being five points off the top: "You don't want to be in that position, you want to be five points ahead but it is where we are."
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking Sky Sports: "Eventful, exciting. Both teams scored from a set piece. In my opinion, Arsenal were the first team better than us. They deserved to be one up at half-time. We had less to recover and prepare for this game and if I look at how strong we were in the second half, that pleased me and most being two times down."
On set piece goal: "I didn't think our set piece was similar to the one from Bournemouth. It's a good thing if you play against Arsenal, normally you lose the battle of set pieces but we both scored one."
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Simon Deane: Arsenal when back to full strength will be there or thereabouts once they get the red card situations sorted.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has scored against Arsenal in nine Premier League campaigns, including in each of the last eight.
Only Les Ferdinand (10 seasons versus Everton) scored in more seasons against a specific opponent (Alan Shearer also nine versus Eveton, Harry Kane also nine versus Arsenal).
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool manager Arne Slot speaking to MOTD:
"Two times behind then it's pleasing to see we can come back into the game especially with one day less to recover. To be stronger in second half than first pleases me. You come here to win but maybe a draw was a result we can take with us, especially after the first half.
"You know coming here that they have many quality players, you can have difficult moments in the game. Pleased me to score from a set piece. We needed that because from open play we weren't dominant at all. They deserved to be up 2-1 at half time. But the way we showed up second half was impressive."
On Liverpool's second goal: "Two minutes before the second goal Trent [Alexander-Arnold] was closer to the 18-yard box and he got a bit of criticism for the pass. The good thing about Trent is that he tries again and it led to a great team goal. Darwin [Nunez] hasn't played that many games but has to play every game now because we needed him for a goal. He kept going with the energy.
"In the first 10-15 minutes after half time we were better than in the first half. But bringing on three quality players they bring a lot of energy and that helped us to get three points."
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Bocky: Arteta will win nothing at Arsenal as long as he insists on this sideways and backwards passing game. He needs to instruct the players to be far more direct and play with some pace.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
SATURDAY
Newcastle v Arsenal 12:30 GMT
Bournemouth v Man City 15:00
Ipswich v Leicester 15:00
Liverpool v Brighton 15:00
Nott'm Forest v West Ham 15:00
Southampton v Everton 15:00
Wolves v Crystal Palace 17:30
SUNDAY
Tottenham v Aston Villa 14:00
Man Utd v Chelsea 16:30
MONDAY 4th Nov
Fulham v Brentford 20:00
Image source, .FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Really disappointing not to win it because when you look at the chances, we should have won the game.
"The team played so well, we were dominant and very determined. Really aggressive and played in the right areas to create some big chances. We are open in transition for the second goal. Against this team, you cannot do that if you want to win the game.
"It is what it is at the moment. The backline is completely different to what we're used to. We should have won the game."
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Image source, Getty ImagesPM: David Raya's yellow card for time-wasting in the 70th minute sums up what's wrong with Arsenal. Who tries to run down the clock with 20+ minutes to go?
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports:
"Very proud of the team. The courage, quality, domination in the game we wanted to play especially in the first half. Should've been a bigger score in first half, they came out in second half and we didn't have courage.
"We deserved to win the game. We were the better team. Learnings from both goals, second one is a transition moment we have to end up in final third. You can not give that away.
"We were clear in what we had to do and the execution, determination and aggression with and without the ball was really good. A few moments where we should've put the ball in the net.
"In the first phase we needed more courage to play. We created big opportunities."
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Roy Keane
Former Republic of Ireland captain on Sky Sports
I'm starting to worry about Arsenal's mentality now. There are elements when they get in front and seem to sit back and settle for 2-1 instead of going to get the third goal. It was almost 'let's hope we can win 2-1' and when you're up against good players like Salah they can punish you.
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Markyp1965: Draw was a fair result really, with so little between the two sides over the 90 minutes. Hopefully, nothing serious about the knock for Gabriel, and just fatigue for Timber. I thought Martinelli looked sharper, but he’s crying out for a goal. Seemed like a generous award of a free kick to rule out the late Arsenal ‘winner’, though.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
More from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to MOTD, about his goal "It's very easy, isn't it? We analysed that there are some weaknesses we can exploit and this was one of them."
On the title race: "I think someone said to me last year, Man City lost here and they won the league. We're in October. I've read so many things that Arsenal are out of the title race if they lose.
"We're in the business where you can be on top one week and then not. We are in October and let's see what it brings us at the end of the season. Enjoy the ride."
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Theo Walcott
Former Arsenal forward on Sky Sports
Arsenal weren't missing many of their starting players today. This was an opportunity for Liverpool to show exactly what they were made of. I was disappointed with their lack of intensity. I don't want Arsenal to lose that, the ability to put teams to the sword.
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Fox In The Box: Would normally be happy with a point at the Emirates as Arsenal are a very good side. But without Saliba and with Gabriel going off I would have hoped for more. At least we didn't lose though. On to the next game.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to MOTD: "It sounds very cliche but it's better than losing. There were opportunities for us to try and win the game. The first half was difficult. We came out well in the second half and pushed for the equaliser. We move on."
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Let's Agree To Disagree: Can’t win every game, draw is good enough for Liverpool. Hats off to Arsenal. They came to play today.
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesMikel Arteta tells Sky Sports that Martin Odegaard is still a "bit far away" from returning to action.
He says he does not know how serious the injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber are.
Arteta said his side needed to show "more courage" during the game.
Mohamed Salah celebrates his late equaliser for Liverpool at Arsenal
Mohamed Salah's late equaliser gave Liverpool a point against Premier League title rivals Arsenal in an eventful encounter at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal led twice but were undermined by injuries to key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber in the second half, having already been without the suspended William Saliba.
The setbacks allowed Liverpool to apply pressure and take a point, leaving Manchester City at the top of the table - with Arsenal now five points adrift of the relentless reigning champions.
Arsenal were rewarded for a fast start when Bukayo Saka bamboozled Andy Robertson to score his 50th Premier League goal, striking at the near post after nine minutes.
Their lead only lasted until the 18th minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk equalised, nodding in from close range after Luis Diaz headed on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross at the near post.
Mikel Merino put Arsenal ahead again with a powerful header from Declan Rice's free-kick shortly before half-time.
Liverpool improved after the break and Salah equalised with a routine finish from Darwin Nunez's unselfish square ball after he had been set clear by Alexander-Arnold's superb pass. It leaves them a point behind Manchester City in second place.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Gunners 'should have won' - Arteta
Arsenal were facing a vastly improved Liverpool in the second half while hampered by a depleted defence, yet the home team will be frustrated they were unable to close out what would have been a big win.
The Gunners could hardly afford another loss after slipping up at Bournemouth, such are the title race's fine margins, and fully deserved their half-time lead after an excellent first 45 minutes.
The returning Saka gave Robertson a torrid time, especially when scoring the first goal, and it was no more than Arsenal merited when Merino dived forward on to Rice's teasing set-piece delivery to restore their lead after Van Dijk's equaliser.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was forced into changes with the departure of Gabriel, who was holding an ice pack to his thigh on the bench, and Timber, who had only just returned from injury. The pressure on their backline was consequently mounting before Liverpool broke away for Salah to score.
Arsenal will be disappointed with only a point at home, but the questions that arose about this side's character after the defeat at Bournemouth were answered again here as they showed real spirit and resilience when Liverpool scented victory in the closing minutes.
The worry for Arteta now is that he may face the loss of both Gabriel and Timber for upcoming games and he will be desperately hoping they both only have minor problems.
Slot praises Liverpool's fighting spirit after Arsenal draw
Liverpool manager Arne Slot's composed and measured approach is reflected in the adjustments he has made to the team bequeathed to him by predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
He has not been carried away as Liverpool made their way to the top of the table, and Slot will not be too low now after a laboured performance as his team failed to cash in on Arsenal's defensive crisis in the closing stages.
The force appeared to be with Liverpool as Arsenal lost key players but, while they had plenty of possession, Slot's team did not apply the sustained pressure that might have brought them a greater reward than Salah’s goal gave them.
Liverpool were fortunate to be only one goal adrift after a poor first-half display when they were outmanoeuvred in midfield and troubled in defence – but when there is Salah there is always hope, even on a relatively quiet day for the Egyptian.
Slot's team are now in the position familiar to so many others, behind Manchester City, but to be sitting in second place and only a point behind the reigning champions still represents a fine start to the Dutch manager's time at Anfield.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 11 | 23 |
| |
| 2 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 5 | 12 | 22 |
| |
| 3 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 18 |
| |
| 4 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 18 |
| |
| 5 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 17 |
| |
| 6 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 16 |
| |
| 7 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 16 |
| |
| 8 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 13 |
| |
| 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 13 |
| |
| 10 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| |
| 11 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 12 |
| |
| 12 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 12 |
| |
| 13 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 16 | -3 | 11 |
| |
| 14 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 11 |
| |
| 15 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -4 | 9 |
| |
| 16 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 16 | -6 | 9 |
| |
| 17 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 6 |
| |
| 18 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 20 | -11 | 4 |
| |
| 19 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 25 | -13 | 2 |
| |
| 20 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 19 | -13 | 1 |
|
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Arsenal have won their last two Premier League home games against Liverpool, last having a longer such run between 2004 and 2006 (4).
Liverpool haven’t failed to score in any of their last 17 Premier League meetings with Arsenal since a 0-0 draw in August 2015.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games against Liverpool (W2 D2), taking more points from these four games (8) than they had in their previous 14 against the Reds (7 – W1 D4 L9).
After losing to Bournemouth last time out (0-2), Arsenal face the prospect of losing back-to-back games in the Premier League for the first time since 31st December 2023 (0-2 v West Ham and 1-2 Fulham). Prior to their trip to Bournemouth, the Gunners had only lost one of their first 25 league games in 2024 (W21 D3).
If Liverpool win this game, it’ll be their second-best ever start to a Premier League season after nine games (24 points – currently on 21). Indeed, the only other occasion in which they’ve won 24 or more points at that stage of a Premier League campaign was in 2019-20, when they last won the title (25 – W8 D1).
Arsenal have been shown the most red cards in the Premier League this term (three in eight games), while the record for most dismissals after nine matches of a single season in the competition is four – done twice by Liverpool (1999-00 and 2023-24) and once by both Leicester City (1994-95) and Sunderland (1996-97).
Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (3), while they also have the lowest xG against total (6.2). Their three goals conceded are their joint-fewest after eight games of a league campaign in club history (also three in 1978-79 and 2018-19).
Gabriel Martinelli has been involved in more goals against Liverpool in all competitions than he has against any other side for Arsenal (7 – 5 goals, 2 assists). Four of his five goals against the Reds have put Arsenal in the lead in the match, including all three such Premier League strikes.
Kai Havertz has scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances at the Emirates Stadium. The only Arsenal player to score in more successive home appearances in the competition is Thierry Henry, who has done so twice (6 from March-August 2000 & 7 from May-October 2004).
Declan Rice could make his 250th Premier League appearance in this game. The Arsenal midfielder would be the sixth-youngest player to hit that milestone (25 years, 287 days) and youngest since current teammate Raheem Sterling in March 2020 (25 years, 91 days).
Arsenal will be without the suspended William Saliba for this game, a player who had played every single minute in the Premier League for the Gunners since the start of last season, prior to his red card against Bournemouth. Since making his debut in the competition (August 5 2022), he’s missed just 11 Premier League matches, with Arsenal having a 74% win rate and conceding on average 0.8 goals per game with him in the team compared to a 45% win rate and 1.6 goals conceded per game without him.
