EPL: Liverpool slip from top spot after Arsenal draw

Liverpool had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the English Premier League on Monday morning (AEDT) at the Emirates Stadium.

Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead in the ninth minute with a fantastic left-footed strike, only for Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk to nod in the equaliser nine minutes later.

Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal from Spanish side Real Sociedad in the summer, reclaimed the hosts’ lead with his first goal for the club right before the break.

Liverpool were, however, not to be beaten, as they restored parity when Mohamed Salah slotted home with nine minutes left.

Salah’s strike against Arsenal extended his tally to 163 goals in his Premier League career, putting him level with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler and eighth on the all-time top scorer list.

Failure to win at the Emirates means Liverpool have surrendered top spot to champions Manchester City, who have a one-point advantage following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are third on the table with 18 points — four behind second-placed Liverpool and five adrift of leaders Man City.

Addressing the press after the clash, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was happy with the display despite his side’s numerous injury concerns.

“I think the performance overall with all the circumstances was very positive,” he said.

“A lot of great things to take, but it’s disappointing not to win it because I thought we were the better team.

“We had the most domination, the biggest chances and without conceding anything really, we gave two goals away, apart from two big decisions as well.

“With everything that we’ve been through in the last few weeks, with all the injuries and situations that we had, the team was exceptional.”

Despite giving up top spot, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased after securing a crucial point against tough opposition.

“Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team and then to get a point is pleasing to see, especially because we had to play an away game in Europe this week,” he said.

Liverpool will host Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend in the EPL, with online bookmakers pegging the Reds as -250 favourites to defeat the Seagulls (+650).

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be at St James’ Park in Matchweek 10, and top soccer betting sites are paying -111.11 for the Gunners to beat Newcastle United (+250).

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