5 talking points from Liverpool and Arsenal’s frenetic draw as title rivals are left unsatisfied

LIVERPOOL 1-1 ARSENAL: In just the fourth minute at Anfield, Gabriel’s early header gave the Gunners the lead, and in a thrilling match, Mo Salah equalised.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal battled off a frantic draw at Anfield, failing to deliver a championship punch to the other.

Just before the half hour mark, Mo Salah beat Oleksandr Zinchenko and blasted in at David Raya’s near post to tie the score, giving the Gunners an early lead thanks to defender Gabriel’s header of captain Martin Odegaard’s free kick. However, Liverpool rallied and were denied a penalty when Odegaard appeared to handle the ball.

Trent Alexander-Arnold crashed against the crossbar for Liverpool after a quick break, but neither team could pull off a victory in a game that was close the entire time.

These are the primary talking points of the game.

1. Arsenal’s prize for a smart start

Given some of their previous experiences here, Arsenal is wary of this fixture. Mikel Arteta was once a member of a Gunners team that lost 5-1 after giving up four goals in the first twenty minutes of play. While it’s common to discuss the need for a “quick start” in these types of matches, a wise start is perhaps more crucial.

Arsenal also played shrewdly in this situation, focusing on Liverpool’s creative players and limiting their ability to find a pass. They punished a Reds team that had been guilty of careless marking after stifling their hosts and forcing early set pieces. It took only four minutes for Gabriel to score, but it seemed inevitable.

2. Salah helps Liverpool find their way home.

Liverpool was naturally shocked by the score, but they are a talented enough squad to fight their way back into any game, especially with the support of a boisterous Anfield crowd that had been listening to Jurgen Klopp’s appeal for atmosphere.

The match had a fast-paced, razor-edge feel to it, but Salah is more composed under pressure and he knew he was winning against Zinchenko. The Egyptian was sent off by Alexander-Arnold’s ball, and as he cut inside, there could only be one result: he dragged back that infamous left foot. Equilibrium.

3. Everyone feels the pace… even Jurgen Klopp

The entire game was played at an astonishingly rapid speed, but it picked up even more following Salah’s score. Last-ditch interceptions were frequently required to stop either side from making fast breaks, and Arsenal’s wide players in particular looked quite dangerous.

In the end, Bukayo Saka proved to be too hazardous for both Klopp and Kostas Tsimikas, sending the Greek into his manager on the touchline while the latter appeared to have suffered yet another shoulder injury typical of a Liverpool left-back. It served as a warning about the stakes in this Premier League title match, which both players will believe they can win.

The game moved at a very quick pace, which may have contributed to the strange decision to ignore Odegaard’s apparent ball handling in the Arsenal penalty area while his team was ahead 1-0. The absence of a VAR intervention seems increasingly strange the more times it is seen.

4. A masterclass in modern defence

These days, playing centre back for a top-tier football team is a lot of work. The days of stoppers and yard dogs are long gone, to be replaced with the requirement to be a physically fit specimen.

That’s exactly what Ibrahima Konate is. The young Frenchman, who hasn’t exactly played at his greatest level this season, was excellent here as a last line of defence for multiple Arsenal advances, frequently nicking the ball away from a Gunner at the crucial moment. Gabriel was spectacular for the guests as well, showcasing some really cutting-edge defending.

5. A point made by both sides

Who then stands to gain the most from this draw? Actually, it’s probably Manchester City. Naturally, Arsenal has the better of the two teams involved; Liverpool will likely be especially upset about Alexander-Arnold’s missed opportunity.

Though they will certainly have regrets, Arsenal also established a strong lead in the latter moments of the game. All in all, though, it was a showcase for two teams that will be together for the length of this season, regardless of what happens with City. There is a lot of competition.