Salah’s late equalizer ends in Liverpool vs Arsenal 2-2 draw

Mohamed Salah’s late equalizer helped Liverpool earn a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the thrilling Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (October 27). Not only did Arsenal have to stay content with a draw, but they also suffered a blow with their key player Gabriel Magalhães limping off midway through the match due to injury. Not for the first time, Arsenal botched up the lead in the ongoing Premier League season. Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a crucial lead in the ninth minute of the clash.

He breached the defence of Liverpool going past Andy Robertson and firing the ball past the goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. This was Saka’s 50th Premier League goal on his return from injury. However, Liverpool responded positively with Virgil van Dijk finding the net in the 18th minute, thanks to Luis Diaz's flick-on from the corner.

Arsenal take the lead again in the 43rd minute

Arsenal created several half-chances after this with Saka hitting one over the bar and Kai Havertz unable to control the ball passed from Gabriel Martinelli. Finally, at the stroke of the first half, Mikel Merino scored his first goal for Arsenal with a fantastic header off Declan Rice’s freekick. 

A lengthy VAR for offside followed after this only for the referee to allow the goal for the Gunners eventually. The second half witnessed Liverpool being desperate for an equalizer even as Arsenal were hurt with Gabriel limping off in the 54th minute of the encounter. He was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

The home side had to withstand much pressure in the second half. However, they also countered on multiple occasions as Liverpool, to score a goal, left gaps at the back. Finally, the visitors found a leveler with their superstar footballer Mohamed Salah equalizing in the 81st minute to score his 163rd career Premier League goal. In fact, Liverpool found an entirely new momentum as they threatened to complete a famous comeback victory but somehow Arsenal managed to hold on for a draw.

This draw has now put Liverpool at second place in the Premier League points table with 22 points from nine games, only a point behind Manchester City. On the other hand, Arsenal are at third but have only 18 points.