LONDON, OCT 28 – As the weeks went by, Liverpool showed the quality and resilience to become Manchester City’s main rivals in the Premier League title this season.
Liverpool twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Arsenal yesterday, with Mohamed Salah scoring a second equalizer in the 81st minute at the Emirates Stadium.
Just one defeat in 13 games under new manager Arne Slot this season. Last week’s test saw the Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 in the league, claim a 1-0 win at Leipzig in the Champions League, and now fight back for a draw at Arsenal — another possible challenger to City’s crown.
If Liverpool’s strength is increasing, then Arsenal’s strength as City’s rivals for the past two seasons may be increasingly doubtful.
Arsenal’s biggest worry is probably the injury list which only grew with Gabriel and Jurrien Timber coming off in the second half.
With defensive stalwart William Saliba suspended, Arsenal played with a makeshift back four and were rewarded when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long ball forward found Darwin Nunez, who crossed for Salah to score.
Yesterday’s results put Liverpool in second place, one point behind City, and Arsenal five points after nine games.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka said his team-mates were a bit disappointed.
“We just felt we weren’t at our best for 90 minutes,” said Saka, who opened the scoring in the ninth minute on his return from a hamstring injury.
Virgil van Dijk equalized with a header from a corner, after Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino headed home Declan Rice’s free-kick to put Arsenal back in front.
Salah’s equalizer saw him score against Arsenal in eight consecutive seasons and remain Liverpool’s hero.
For Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, he had to witness a lackluster performance after his team lacked ‘courage’ to attack and defensive injuries were reported in the second half. – AP
