Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment in his team’s lack of ruthlessness as they let slip a two-goal lead in an enthralling 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, which has blown the Premier League title race wide open.
Despite initially leading by six points ahead of defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table, City now have the destiny of the title in their own hands, with a game in hand and a crucial match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium later this month.
Arsenal had appeared to be cruising towards their eighth consecutive league win after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put them in control.
However, Mohamed Salah pulled one back for Liverpool just before half-time, sparking a spirited fightback from Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Salah then missed a penalty in the second half before Roberto Firmino headed in the equalizer three minutes from time. Liverpool had several chances to complete the comeback, but Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made remarkable saves to salvage a point for his team.
“We missed that ruthlessness to take the game,” said Arteta. “The big lesson is we didn’t play the way we did in the first half. We didn’t continue to play. We gave every ball away, allowed big spaces and big transition moments to the best team in the world in this.”
The match was also notable for a remarkable incident just after the half-time whistle when assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis accidentally elbowed Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson in the face.
The incident will be reviewed by the referees’ governing body PGMOL.
Despite the draw, Arsenal’s poor away record against Liverpool continues, with their last league win at Anfield dating back to 2012. The result was a major stumbling block for Arsenal’s title aspirations, despite their perfect start to the game.
Liverpool, on the other hand, showed resilience in their fightback but may find it too little, too late as they remain in eighth place, 12 points adrift of the top four and Champions League qualification.
Klopp praised his team’s reaction and chances created but lamented missed opportunities that could have turned the game around.
The Premier League title race remains wide open with Manchester City now in the driving seat, and Arsenal will need to regroup and refocus ahead of their crucial match against City later this month as they aim to maintain their challenge for the coveted title.
