Arsenal – Liverpool 2:2 – Saka’s great return, Merino’s debut goal and defensive problems

Arsenal – Liverpool 2:2 – Saka’s great return, Merino’s debut goal and defensive problems

In the highlight of the ninth round of the Premier League, Arsenal drew at home with Liverpool 2-2. Bukayo Saka, who returned to the game after a two-match absence due to injury, opened the scoring in the first minutes of the match. In turn, his vis-a-vis – Mohamed Salah – determined the result of this competition. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino scored his first goal for Arsenal. The Gunners’ fans have reasons to be worried, as two defenders suffered injuries.

A phenomenal return for the Arsenal star

For the first time since the end of the 2022/23 season, Arsenal had to cope without William Saliba in a league match. The Frenchman received a direct red card in the match against Bournemouth, as a result of which he left the league competition with “The Reds”. Bukayo Saka, who did not play against Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk due to an injury suffered during the England national team training camp, returned to this league “health path”. Mikel Arteta also named him captain of his team in the prestigious rivalry with Liverpool. He also bluffed that the Englishman would be rather unavailable.

The Gunners’ player made a great comeback, taking his team into the lead in the ninth minute. Ben White sent a great long pass in his direction, Saka then won the speed duel with Andy Robertson, and in the Liverpool penalty area he “put down” the Scot by going down to his left leg. He ended his entire rally with a strong shot under the crossbar from close range, which the Reds goalkeeper Caomhin Kelleher had no chance against.

Captains stand in solidarity after the goal

However, the hosts’ lead did not last long, because Virgil van Dijk equalized in the 18th minute. Robertson’s cross from a corner kick was extended by Luis Diaz, and then the Dutchman shot the ball into the goal from close range. Therefore, only the captains of their teams have been on the scoresheet so far. It was van Dijk’s first goal of the Premier League season, and he scored against Arsenal for the first time in his career. With this goal he celebrated his 100th appearance as Liverpool captain.

The question is, however, whether van Dijk should have been on the pitch at that moment, because in the sixth minute he rudely kicked Kai Havertz twice, who tried to jump to him when the Dutchman had the ball. A few dozen minutes later, his central defense partner Ibrahima Konate was involved in a controversial situation, as he made a risky slide pass through the legs of Gabriel Martinelli in his own penalty area. However, referee Anthony Taylor remained unmoved, as did the VAR.

Merino with the first goal in new colors

Mikel Merino got the ball after a free kick in the 20th minute, but he fell on his left shoulder and needed medical help. Arsenal fans were already worried that his injury had renewed, but the Spaniard pulled himself together and returned to the game. At the end of the first half, he again caught the ball from a free kick, but this time he headed it into the goal. It is worth mentioning another excellent cross by Rice – strong, perfect for a header and difficult for the defense and the goalkeeper.

VAR analyzed for several minutes whether Merino was in an offside position when Declan Rice’s cross was delivered, but ultimately the VAR judges found that he was not deflected. Thus, the European champion with the Spanish national team could enjoy his first goal for Arsenal.

The Gunners’ problems in defense

At the beginning of the second part of this competition, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were 100% broken in the middle of the centre-back duo. The Brazilian sat down on the pitch because he felt pain in his knee as a result of the clash with Darwin Nunez. Although he tried to continue playing for a few minutes, he eventually had to leave the pitch. In his place, Jakub Kiwior appeared, who could atone for his sins for his poor performance against Bournemouth. It was the Pole who played the main role in Arsenal losing the goal 0:2.

In the following minutes, there was a lack of specifics on both sides. We saw Liverpool players in the Arsenal penalty area more often, but they were unable to threaten David Raya’s goal. The Spaniard had to prove himself only in the 71st minute, when he returned the ball after Mohamed Salah tried to play him by the collar. After a while, left defender Jurrien Timber sat on the pitch and, in the above-mentioned situation, had to return after the Egyptian. The Dutchman also tried to continue the game, but was finally replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Salah settled the score

For the 18-year-old, it was only his fifth appearance in the Arsenal first team and his third lasting more than a few minutes. A few minutes later, Mohamed Salah escaped in a brilliant counterattack. Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a long pass towards him, but he ran inside and Darwin Nunez got the ball. Then he passed the ball to the unattended Egyptian, and he beat David Raya from close rangewhose positioning revealed a large part of the goal for him.

In the 85th minute, the author of the first goal in the match was replaced by Gabriel Jesus, who was able to quickly create two interesting situations. After just a minute, he reached the ball centered by Havertz on the left side, but his shot at the far post was blocked by Curtis Jones. A few dozen seconds later, he collected the ball after a corner kick and aimed it at the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. In the 90th minute, Havertz was close to scoring, making it 3-2, but his header was headed by Alexander-Arnold.

Even if the ball had landed in the goal, Taylor still believed that the German had hit Ibrahima Konate in the face with his elbow when he won the break and immediately whistled a foul. Meaning that The hit of the ninth round of the Premier League ended in a 2-2 draw. Liverpool lost their leadership position to Manchester Citywhich is a point ahead of them. Arsenal is third in the table, four points behind second place. In the next round, Arteta’s team will play away to Newcastle, and the Reds will host Brighton at home.

fot. screen Viaplay

Well, well, well! Arsenal and Liverpool served up a Premier League classic this past weekend, and it was as much a game of chess as it was a frenzied rollercoaster ride. The final score? A tantalizing 2-2 draw that leaves Gunners fans biting their nails and Reds supporters gazing into the abyss of ‘what ifs.’ Let’s dive into the glorious chaos, shall we?

A Phenomenal Return for the Arsenal Star

First things first—let’s talk about the man of the hour, Bukayo Saka. After a two-match hiatus that had Arsenal fans more anxious than a cat in a dog park, Saka strutted back onto the pitch like he owned the place. And guess what? He didn’t just open the scoring; he kicked off the show in the ninth minute with a debut that could’ve made even the toughest critics shed a tear. Talk about a return! Ben White’s long pass found Saka, who took on Andy Robertson faster than a kid at a candy store. A quick drop of the shoulder, and boom! Under the crossbar like it was Sunday brunch and all-you-can-eat pancakes were on offer. Saka became the youngest player to score 50 Premier League goals for Arsenal, proving that injury breaks just build character… and goals!

Captains Stand in Solidarity After the Goal

But just when Gooners were ready to pop the champagne, Virgil van Dijk had other ideas. Tapping into his inner Captain Marvel, he equalized in the 18th minute. Yes, folks! The man with the hair set to ‘Perfectly Styled’ turned a corner into a goal, proving he can score against someone other than hapless forwards. Not only did he notch his first goal of the season, but it also marked his 100th game as Liverpool captain. Just think, at least 99 of those games didn’t involve frowning at the back of someone else’s head during a corner.

But here’s a conundrum for you: should Virgil even have been on the pitch at that time? In a moment that looked like a rugby tackle gone wrong, he had a delightful little kick-out at Kai Havertz just moments earlier. But no cards were brandished, and heaven knows VAR was just lounging about instead of doing its job. In a season that seems more theatrical than a Lee Evans stand-up show, decisions like these keep the beauty of football wrapped in a thin layer of woe.

Merino with the First Goal in New Colors

Then we had Mikel Merino, who decided to give fans a mini heart attack with his first goal for Arsenal. After a quick trip to the turf for some ’medical attention’ that seemed more dramatic than the last episode of a soap opera, he bounced back like a caffeinated kangaroo. Just before halftime, he latched onto a perfectly spotted header from Declan Rice—who was basically playing the role of a maestro—and strapped the ball into the net. Cue the incredulous cheers from Gooners everywhere!

The Gunners’ Problems in Defense

However, the Gunners’ spirit was tested further when Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba crumbled like an overcooked soufflé. Both defenders were sidelined, leaving Jakub Kiwior and a brand-new center-back pairing trying to salvage things at a moment that felt more like an audition for ‘Dancing on Ice’ than a Premier League game. Will they survive the final minutes? Dramatic music plays!

As the clock ticked on, Liverpool started to flex their muscles again. It only took a swift move from Salah—cue everyone holding their breath—to finally equalize as he found an opening. Ribbing defenders and a perfect pass from Darwin Núñez set him up at just the right moment. One swift kick and David Raya was left to wonder what had just hit him.

Final Moments and Looking Ahead

As the match drew to a close, Arsenal cranked up the pressure, sending Gabriel Jesus on for Saka who had already given everyone a thrilling 85 minutes of action. Jesus almost snatched victory in a cheeky little stunt that had everyone in the stadium believing, but alas, no finish! A header rattled the bar like a bad Christmas present.

And just like that, the game ended 2-2, leaving fans from both sides groaning, cheering, and living through the heart-wrenching angst of top-level football. Liverpudlians had to watch their leadership slip into Manchester City’s hands, while Arsenal fans are left pondering what could’ve been. They’re all breathing a sigh of relief until the next round—facing Newcastle isn’t exactly a walk in the park! It’s Premier League magic, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

So here’s to more drama, more moments of genius (or ludicrous, we’re not picky), and a season that promises to be as mad as a box of frogs. Cheers!

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