10 April 2023 , 06:03
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could do little more than suggest Liverpool were well worth their last-gasp equaliser at Anfield despite the fact the Gunners boasted a 2-0 lead at one stage.
Goals from Brazilian duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus sparked wild celebrations from the travelling Gunners faithful, but those same celebrations were to be cut short in brutal fashion before the full-time whistle. Mohamed Salah started the fight back after bundling home his effort from close range just before the interval.
The Egyptian international was then handed a glorious chance to net a brace, but fired his penalty the wrong side of the post. Thankfully for Salah, his blushes were spared by team-mate Roberto Firmino, who rose highest with just minutes to spare to head home his 11th goal against the Gunners.
If it were not for two stunning saves from Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Arteta's side could have been making the long trip back to north London with not even a point to show for their efforts.
A 2-2 draw means Arsenal's advantage at the top of the table is cut to six points, while nearest challengers and reigning champions Manchester City have also played one game less. The two sides will meet at the Etihad later this month for what is shaping up to be a title showdown for the ages.
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Following the draw at Anfield, Arteta tried to sum up the feeling in the Arsenal dressing room as he bemoaned the way the Gunners surrendered their lead while also conceding Liverpool could have inflicted further damage.
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Roberto Firmino rose highest to head home Liverpool's equaliser (Getty Images)"When you concede at the end it’s always two points dropped because you have it and you’re suffering in certain moments," said the Arsenal boss.
“The feeling is ‘Ah we should have done it’. But being fair to ourselves, they had four big chances that they could score and the penalty. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and we should have done better in the second half."
The Spaniard went on to add that on the balance of play, Arsenal could hardly complain about the result regardless of their initial advantage.
"The second half was a very different story. We gave every ball away, especially in dangerous areas, and allowed dangerous results and big transition moments against the best team in the world in doing that."
He continued: "Looking at the two halves it’s probably a fair result. You have to take it. The big lesson is probably play the way we did in the first half."