Arsenal’s grip on the English Premier League title race was loosened as Liverpool produced a storming comeback to snatch a 2-2 draw in a super-charged clash at a raucous Anfield on Sunday.
Arsenal were heading for a first league win at Liverpool since 2012 and a massive three points in their quest to win the league as they led 2-0 but Roberto Firmino headed an 87th-minute equaliser.
It could have been even worse for Mikel Arteta’s side too as Mohamed Salah, who scored Liverpool’s first goal and missed a second-half penalty, blazed a late chance over and was then denied by Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale then made a miraculous save from Ibrahima Konate in a breathless period of stoppage time.
When the dust settled on a rambunctious contest that had everything, Arsenal, bidding for a first title since 2004, lead Manchester City by six points but the reigning champions have a game in hand and also face Arsenal at home.
Arsenal had taken an early lead when Gabriel Martinelli wriggled through in the eighth minute and managed to squeeze in a shot past Alisson.
The visitors were attacking at will and doubled their lead when Martinelli set up Gabriel Jesus in the 28th minute.
Salah pulled one back for Juergen Klopp’s team shortly before half time, but sent his penalty off target in the second half in a game packed with near misses.
His blushes were spared by Firmino’s late header, though.
Arsenal have 73 points from 30 games, six points more than second-place City. Liverpool are eighth with 44 points.
“It was a crazy game. We started really good. The first 40 minutes before they scored we controlled the game,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said.
“After their goal the game changed a bit and we didn’t manage to keep the ball. Aaron (Ramsdale) was very good back there and saved us.
“Frustrated not to win but we have to take the point and move on.”
Palace cruise
Crystal Palace came back from a goal down to win a second successive league game under manager Roy Hodgson with a commanding 5-1 victory at Leeds United on Sunday
Despite the absence of injured top scorer Wilfried Zaha, four second-half goals moved Palace up to 12th in the standings while Leeds are 16th — two points above the relegation zone.
Hodgson had been brought back to ensure Palace’s top-flight survival, taking over a team struggling to score, and his side have now netted seven goals in two games — as many as their previous 15 matches combined.
“It is a credit to everyone that has been putting in the work. It has been a long time since we have been playing like this,” Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze told Sky Sports.
Three arrested
Three people were arrested in connection with homophobic and discriminatory chants made during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea on Saturday, Wolves said.
Both teams and the league condemned the chants directed at Chelsea supporters during the game which hosts Wolves won 1-0.
“Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour is committing a criminal offence,” Wolves said.
West Midlands Police said three men aged 32, 24 and 21, were arrested.