Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points as title contenders play out draw | Premier League 2024-25

Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils in their first clash of the season as their clash ended 2-2 in the Premier League on Sunday, October 27. The Reds came from behind twice at the Emirates Stadium.

Heading into the game, there were doubts over the availability of many of the Gunners' star players, including Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber. Saka and Timber made the XI, while the Italian missed out. Liverpool, meanwhile, made three changes from the side that beat Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield last week. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Alexis Mac Allister came in for Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

It was a great start for Arsenal, taking the lead in the ninth minute. Ben White's ball over the top found Saka who cut inside and hit a great effort to make it 1-0. However, Liverpool drew level after 18 minutes of action. Diaz nodded on a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk headed home to break the Gunners' defense.

An inspired piece of set-piece play late in the first half saw Mikel Arteta's men jump back on top. Mikel Merino bagged his debut goal for the side in the 43rd minute, controlling and finishing a free-kick delivery from Declan Rice.

In the second half, the hosts were keen on taking a step back and looking to defend their lead. They dealt with Liverpool well until 81 minutes when Nunez slipped Salah, with the Egyptian putting away a simple chance to peg Arsenal back.

The result means Manchester City finish the weekend on top of the table with 23 points. Arne Slot's men are a point behind in second, while the north Londoners are third with 18. Here are five talking points from the game:

Arsenal vs Liverpool Talking Points

#5. Defensive concerns for Arsenal?

The Gunners were the Premier League's best defensive side last season, keeping the most clean sheets (18) and conceding just 29 goals. However, a mixture of injuries and subpar performances this season have seen them keep just three in their nine league games. With Gabriel and Timber leaving with apparent injuries, there could be more cause for concern for the side.

#4. Set-piece magic once again

Arsenal have already established themselves as kings of the dead-ball situation in the league, scoring over 20 times from such situations since the start of last campaign. They added another to their tally against Liverpool on Sunday. An impressive routine, tried multiple times in the game with Rice and Merino, eventually bore fruit for their second goal of the night.

#3. Mohamed Salah continues to impress

In what could be his final season for Liverpool, Salah has shown why he is regarded as one of the best attackers in the world. He was lively against the Gunners, finishing with one chance created, two successful dribbles, eight touches in the opposition box, and three passes into the final third. Now with six goals and five assists this season, the Egyptian will be sorely missed if he departs Anfield.

#2. Saka delivers on surprise inclusion

Heading into the game, signs pointed to Arsenal missing their talisman after he did not feature in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last week. However, he made the start and delivered with a strong outing for the side. He finished the game with two shots, two dribbles completed and two passes into the final third. He provided the guile and threat going forward much needed for the side.

#1. An early indicator for the title race?

The game was a fine showing between two sides that could be in the talks to win the Premier League title. Liverpool have begun brilliantly under Arne Slot, while Arsenal have adapted well to injuries suffered by their key players. It remains to be seen if one of these two teams can finally topple Manchester City off the Premier League throne.