Manchester City is the new leader of the Premier League. After temporarily taking the lead on Saturday, a fair draw between Arsenal and Liverpool (2-2) at the Emirates kept the reigning champions in first place.
Mikel Arteta doesn’t have many alternatives when deciding on the eleven. The big losses of injured players like Odegaard and Calafiori, in addition to the suspension of Saliba, conditioned a starting eleven that saw Thomas Partey and Timber as a novelty in its sides, which, far from being a accountability, has performed beyond expectations. the first time. They control Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah, the stars of a Liverpool in which Arne Slot did not make any inventions but somewhat inferior to the ‘gunners’, who are strongly supported by their fans.
A match that could blow up soon. Saka celebrated his return from injury with a brilliant goal. He unmarked himself on his back who received a great ball from White, cut in, broke Robertson’s waist and smashed it against the post where Kelleher was (9′). A push that did not have as much impact as expected on Liverpool, who did not lose their composure, were guided by Van Dijk’s instructions, and wanted to take the initiative. It was worth it, especially because of the good work of Declan Rice, an expert recovery of the ball, and the sacrifice of his teammates to disconnect Díaz and Salah. The only merit the Egyptian produced was a long shot that almost caught Raya by surprise.
However, Arne Slot’s team showed they have the resources to give Arsenal their own medicine. Liverpool equalized through a corner kick against the team that plays the best set pieces in the entire Premier League. Díaz’s effort at the near post was key for Van Dijk to finish his will and level the balance (18′). Many minutes ahead and great respect, as both teams measured their plays very well, without taking too many risks beyond Saka, who was determined to leave his mark on the match. Buoyed by their captain’s faith, Arsenal gradually went from strength to strength, sneaking around Kelleher’s place and sniffing the prize. It came just before half-time, the work of Mikel Merino, who made his debut as a Gunner scorer in a top-class match. The Spaniard, who posed a threat a few minutes ago with a sore shoulder, turned it back for Liverpool with a strategic header, after the ball was placed with care by Declan Rice (43′).
What the Slot team has shown so far is not enough to say something to the game and something needs to change. That’s how it is. Although they still had problems developing plays inside, Liverpool came out with a different face and gradually closed down Arsenal, who also felt affected by Gabriel’s injury, leaving the defense affected, and things took a turn for the worse when Timber He also asked for a change. Raya did not have much work, but Luis Díaz, who unexpectedly changed Slot, and Salah began to appear more. It was a match of attrition, and just when it looked like Liverpool couldn’t give it any more, came the tie. This was partly the fault of Arsenal, who sensed this was their moment and stretched their lines and the usual counter-attack killed them. Alexander-Arnold plays a good ball into space for Darwin and he passes it to Salah at will, where he makes no mistake (81′).
Uncertainty took over the game in the final minutes. Also nerves, well, very few about football. Arsenal wanted more, but they didn’t deserve it. He paid his respects with a one-point advantage and that, added to his lack of punch, was devastating to let two points slip away.
match lineup
22
5
12
41
4
6
7
23
19
29
11
62
66
26
10
5
4
11
38
9
17
7
Emirates Stadium
65′
Caoimhín Kelleher62
Trent Alexander-Arnold66
75′
Andy Robertson26
62′
Alexis McAllister10
32′
62′
Ibrahima Konaté5
53′
Virgil van Dijk4
17′
8′
84′
Mohamed Salah11
80′
42′
Ryan Gravenberg38
Darwin Nunez9
93′
Curtis Jones17
90′
84′
Luis Diaz7
62′
Replacements
Vitezslav Jaros56
53′
Harvey Davies95
Joe Gomez2
Kostas Tsimikas21
62′
Jarell Quansah78
75′
Wataru Endo3
90′
84′
Dominik Szoboszlai8
62′
84′
Tyler Morton80
Cody Gakpo18
62′
coach
Mikel Arteta
Arne Slott
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
