Mohamed Salah’s goal in the second half secured a dramatic 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal took an early advantage when Bukayo Saka, returning from injury, scored confidently past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Liverpool quickly leveled with a header from Virgil van Dijk off a set piece.
Mikel Merino, making his first Premier League start at home, regained the lead for Arsenal with another header from a free-kick, leaving them ahead at halftime.
However, injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber forced Arsenal into a more defensive strategy, which resulted in Salah equalizing in the 81st minute by slotting the ball past David Raya, earning Liverpool a point and maintaining manager Arne Slot’s unbeaten away streak.
After the match, Saka spoke to Sky Sports about his disappointment: “We’re frustrated. Liverpool are a strong team, but we feel we didn’t perform at our best for the entire match.
“In the first half, we showed our qualities and controlled the game, limiting their chances. They only scored from a set piece, and I don’t believe they had any other real opportunities. In the second half, we dropped our intensity and Liverpool took control, winning more duels and dominating possession, which shifted the game in their favor and forced us to defend.”
On Gabriel’s injury, he recognized its significance but insisted it shouldn’t be an excuse: “He’s crucial for us, but we must adapt and perform regardless of who’s on the field.”
Reflecting on his goal, Saka said: “I hate missing matches, so it was really frustrating to watch from the sidelines. I was determined to return for this game. I try to keep goalkeepers guessing; I haven’t seen the goal replay yet, but it felt like a nice finish.”
