Liverpool and Arsenal faced off in an epic battle of Premier League heavyweights, and it was an entertaining match from start to finish. The spotlight was on Liverpool’s star striker, Mo Salah, who missed a penalty kick, much to the surprise of fans and pundits alike.
The Gunners were looking to make a statement in the title race, while Liverpool were hoping for a boost in their quest for a strong finish to the season.
Former Premier League striker on Mo Salah missing the penalty
Liverpool’s star player, Mo Salah, had a mixed day, missing an early chance before scoring a goal just before half-time. However, he then missed a penalty midway through the second half, on which former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin said,
“Not only has he missed it. He hasn’t hit the target. It’s a criminal offence. He’s so much better than that.”
The hosts were given a golden opportunity to level the game when they were awarded a penalty for Rob Holding’s challenge on Diogo Jota. Salah stepped up and sent his penalty wide as the Arsenal faithful went wild.
But manager Klopp did not watch the spot kick (perhaps due to superstition) as he turned his back and relied on the sound of the crowd.
Klopp turned around to celebrate after hearing fans cheering. But he then looked baffled as it dawned on him that it had been Arsenal supporters rejoicing after Salah’s miss.
Despite Salah’s miss, his track record from the spot has been impeccable, and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t keep taking them in the future.
Salah’s miss was a massive blow to Liverpool’s dominance, and it gave Arsenal another stroke of luck in their quest for the title.
However, the game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale making some world-class saves to earn them a point.
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: A game of two halves
The Gunners got off to a flying start, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus giving Arsenal a commanding lead, but Liverpool fought back through Salah and Roberto Firmino to secure a stunning comeback draw.
We got some glimpses of the old Reds in the 2nd half, while the first half just sums up the story of how Liverpool have been throughout the 2022/23 season.
Arteta’s side had to rely on last-ditch defending and goalkeeping heroics from Ramsdale to avoid losing more ground on second-placed City with Liverpool probing for a winning goal deep into stoppage time.
The result sees Arsenal pull six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. The result adds significance to Arsenal’s title-defining clash with City on April 26, as Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand on the league leaders.
Liverpool’s winless run continues, but their fightback against the league leaders will give them confidence going forward.