Mohamed Salah’s second-half strike ensured it was honours even between Arsenal and Liverpool as both sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
The hosts went ahead early when the returning Bukayo Saka finished emphatically past Caoimhin Kelleher but were pegged back by Virgil van Dijk’s header from a set piece.
Mikel Merino, making his first Premier League start at home, headed home fromafree-kick to give the Gunners the lead at the half-time break.
But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber saw the home side retreat into their shell and they were punished in the 81st minute when Salah slotted past David Raya to secure a point and maintain Arne Slot’s unbeaten away record as Liverpool boss.
Bukayo Saka speaking to Sky Sports
Ben Fleming
‘We’re a bit disappointed. Credit to Liverpool they are a great team but we just feel like we didn’t show our best selves for the full 90 minutes.
‘First half we showed our qualities, we dominated and gave them nothing. They only scored from a set piece, I didn’t think they had another chance. Second half we sunk back a bit and weren’t at our best.
‘Liverpool started to have more momentum, they won more duels then us, kept possession more than us and then naturally the momentum goes to them and we have to defend more.’
On the impact of Gabriel’s injury: ‘Of course [it had an impact]. He’s a big player for us but it’s not an excuse and we have to adapt to do our best whoever is on the pitch.’
On his goal: ‘I hate missing games and it was really frustrating to be on the sides watching. I had this game in mind and I was doing everything I could to come back for this game. I try to keep the keepers guessing, I haven’t seen it back but it felt like a nice finish.’
Virgil van Dijk speaking to Sky Sports
Ben Fleming
‘Listen, it’s a very tough place to come. They created a solid team and make it difficult for everyone. To come back twice is a good thing, we take the point and we move.’
On his goal: ‘They’re very solid in set pieces and I think when I was marked by Partey, he only looked at me. It was a good flick from Lucho [Luis Diaz]. I try to just be important in every set piece that we have and to not concede like we did so that’s very disappointing.’
On the result: ‘You play here in London, they have the fans behind them and they created some momentum. You have to be ready to fight because you will have some tough moments. One point and we take it.’
