ARSENAL and Liverpool played a thrilling encounter at Anfield.
But the visitors had to settle for a point in an amazing 2-2 draw – and lead Man City by six points.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates putting the Gunners 2-0 upPA
The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
However, Mo Salah got Liverpool back in the game right before half-time.
The Reds missed a chance to draw level from the spot, when Salah side-footed wide.
Jurgen Klopp’s side got themselves level late on though thanks to Roberto Firmino.
Following an unforgettable clash, SunSport’s Jon Boon rates Arsenal’s performance.
Aaron Ramsdale – 9
Had no chance with Salah’s close-range tap in or Firmino’s header. Psyched Salah out later who skewed his penalty wide. Saved from the Egyptian brilliantly moments later.
Made a brilliant one-on-one save from Darwin Nunez with 10 minutes left. Then another wonder save from Salah with the ball curling towards goal.
And made another astonishing save from Konate in injury time. Was booked for playing mind games on the pen.
Ben White – 6
Unlucky to be booked early on for a tackle on Robertson that left him walking the tight-rope.
Didn’t get forward like he has done this season, but defended diligently.
Rob Holding – 5
In the side because of William Saliba’s injury. Massively let off after conceding a penalty for a clumsy kick on Diogo Jota.
His fondness to tightly mark and his lack of pace on the turn left him exposed by Liverpool’s quick-attack.
Gabriel – 7
Was unlucky to deflect Salah’s goal in off the forward, when making a last-ditch tackle on the forward.
Had Gunners fans nervous when he went down with a head injury from a blocked shot. But, made some brilliant defensive clearances in the box to keep Liverpool at bay.
Could have sealed it late on – but his header was straight at Alisson.
APGabriel was unlucky his last ditch tackle deflected off Salah and in[/caption]
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Tough game for the Ukrainian with Salah running at him all day.
Was caught out of position a few times, which is the norm. But, his passing – as always – was great.
Kept the ball in tight situations to take the pressure off. However, was done by Alexander-Arnold for the equaliser.
Thomas Partey – 6
As the pivot in midfield, Partey was vital in picking the right pass to push his team forward.
Hardly gave the ball away, and got his foot in to deny many Liverpool counters. His positional sense is always first class.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Booked stupidly, raising temperatures at Anfield – right before Salah scored. But kept his head in the second half and was given the captain’s armband when Odegaard was subbed off.
Made some crunching tackles in the middle of the park.
GettyGranit Xhaka receives a yellow card as the temperates were raised at Anfield[/caption]
Martin Odegaard – 6
Probing, constantly. Was involved in Martinelli’s opener, pulled the strings as a No10 and sometimes deeper.
As captain, he showed his leadership qualities by fighting for Arsenal’s cause in the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Important run for Martinelli’s opener, left Robertson for dead before the ball broke to the Brazilian.
Whenever he got the ball, looked dangerous. Showed a magic bit of skill to allude two Liverpool defenders. Worked tirelessly.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Poked past Allison for Arsenal’s opener and a brilliant cross for Jesus to nod home.
Had Alexander-Arnold on toast in the first half and was constant outlet on the break on the left. Pick of the attackers.
ReutersGabriel Martinelli got Arsenal off to the flyer[/caption]
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Led the line brilliantly, holding up the ball and giving Van Dijk something to think about.
Brilliant downwards header into the corner past his fellow countryman Alisson to put the Gunners 2-0 up.
Subs
Leandro Trossard (for Jesus 78 minutes) – 6
Won a late corner to relieve the pressure off Van Dijk. But was largely anonymous and struggled to get into the game.
Jakub Kiwior (for Odegaard 78 minutes) – 6
Came on for his defensive energy, kept the ball well and offered some physicality in the middle.
Kieran Tierney (For Zinchenko 88 minutes) – 6
Almost got on the scoresheet with a banana kick late on. Was brought on for defensive stability but surged forward a few times well.