The Gunners had to settle for a point at home against Liverpool after a late comeback from the Merseyside team.
Buyako Saka opened the scoring in the first nine minutes after a clinical finish from the winger. However, Virgil van Dijk's bullet header halved the deficit nine minutes later.
Just before halftime, Mikel Merino was found in the box from a good free-kick from Declan Rice, and the Spanish midfielder made no mistake of putting his header past Caoimhin Kelleher to give Mikel Arteta's men the lead going into halftime.
Arsenal looked to have wrapped the game up, but in the 81st minute, Liverpool broke with pace, and Mohammed Salah was found in the box, and the profiling goalscorer put his effort past David Raya to earn the away side a vital point in the title race.
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Arsenal player ratings:
David Raya - 6/10
Raya had an average game for his standards after conceding two goals in what he will say could have been a different game for the Gunners. However, the two goals weren't his fault in a tough afternoon for the goalkeeper.
Jurrien Timber – 7/10
Timber made a late fitness test the night before the game, so the rating reflects that, but the player had a good first half, as he brought a calmness to the Gunners defence they didn’t have against Bournemouth. However, after half-time, he started to fade away and he came off with an injury in what Arteta and his team will hope won’t be a significant injury.
Ben White - 8/10
The centre-back played in a different position than he normally plays in, but this worked to Arsenal’s advantage yesterday. Liverpool didn’t expect how the English international would play, and this was evident in the first goal after White played a beautiful ball over the top that surprised the away side players.
Gabriel Magalhães – 6/10
Gabriel had a good game before he came off injured, as he controlled the backline and made sure the Liverpool attackers had limited chances. However, he came off injured in the second half, and this was a big blow for the Gunners, showing how vital the defender is.
Thomas Partey – 7/10
Partey played right back yesterday and was up against an in-form Luiz Diaz, who has started the season well. However, the winger had a difficult time against Partey as the makeshift right-back made sure the winger didn’t create or score any chances.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Rice performed to his usual standard and had an excellent game. He controlled the midfield and made sure the away side midfielder couldn’t create any chances as he played in a deeper role. The English international also got the second assist with a beautiful free kick, showing the other qualities he brings to the Gunners' team.
Mikel Merino – 7/10
Merino had a difficult first half as he lacked the pace of the first 30 minutes and got caught out several times. However, he redeemed himself after scoring Arsenal’s second goal of the match and his first goal for the club. He also got another 90 minutes under his belt in what will be a big boost in confidence for the Spaniard.
Buyako Saka – 8/10
Saka, like Timber, passed a late fitness test the night before the game, and people were sceptical he would start, but he showed his quality 10 minutes into the match getting Arsenal’s first goal. He is one of the best players in the world and the most vital player in the Gunners team, and he showed that yesterday.
Leandro Trossard – 6/10
Trossard had a challenging afternoon, finding it hard to be involved in the game and not being able to influence the game he normally does.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10
Martinelli started his first game in a couple of matches in a big vote of confidence from Arteta. However, the winger had a difficult afternoon, not being able to get into the game and showing his qualities that normally bring the Gunners lots of joy.
Kai Havertz - 6/10
The striker did what he did best yesterday, covering a lot of ground and pressing well. However, apart from that, he couldn’t get involved with the home side’s attacks and didn’t have any really good opportunities.
Substitutes:
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6/10
Ethan Nwaneri - 6/10
Gabriel Jesus - 6/10
Jakub Kiwior - 5/10
