Liverpool fights back to earn 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Football
By AP News | Apr 09, 2023
Liverpool's Mo Salah scores during their match against Arsenal.[Liverpool]

Roberto Firmino scored an 87th-minute equalizer to put a dent in Arsenal's Premier League title challenge and earn a 2-2 draw for Liverpool on Sunday.

The Brazilian forward rose at the far post to complete a rousing comeback from the Merseyside club after Arsenal had raced to a two-goal lead at Anfield.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had put the league leaders in control. But Mohamed Salah reduced the deficit before halftime and then missed a penalty after the break.

With Arsenal looking set to extend its lead at the top to eight points over Manchester City, Firmino struck what could be a decisive goal in the title race.

It had all been going so well for the visitors, with Martinelli firing them ahead in the eighth minute when capitalizing on a mistake from Virgil van Dijk.

The forward raced through on goal after Van Dijk's attempted clearance fell straight into his path and slipped a low shot past Alisson.

Arsenal went 2-0 ahead in the 28th through Gabriel Jesus, with Martinelli the provider, crossing for his fellow Brazilian to head home from close range.

Mikel Arteta's team was cruising and the Anfield crowd was subdued until Liverpool mounted a response.

Salah pulled one back in the 42nd after turning in Jordan Henderson's mis-hit effort.

Liverpool powered forward in the second half and had the chance to even the score when awarded a penalty seven minutes after the restart.

Rob Holding brought down Diogo Jota, but Salah failed to take advantage from the spot when firing wide.

Liverpool had more chances, with substitute Darwin Nunez forcing a save from Aaron Ramsdale, but Arsenal looked like holding on for a crucial win until Firmino's goal.

It could have been worse for the London club if not for two saves late on from Ramsdale to deny Salah and Ibrahima Konate.

Meanwhile, the body in charge of professional referees said it will review a clash between Andy Robertson and assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.

Video replays appeared to show Hatzidakis raise his arm when colliding with the Liverpool defender.

Share this story
Kip Keino Classic lives up to its billing
The seventh edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic lived up to its billing at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday.
FKF power struggles throw Kenyan football in jeopardy
The unfolding drama paints a troubling picture of a federation slipping back into familiar cycles of boardroom wars, allegations of corruption, and leadership struggles.
It's 'do or die' Mashemeji Derby for AFC and Gor
The stage is set for one of the biggest matches in Kenyan football as Gor Mahia take on archrivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium today (3 pm).
KPA drown Th3 Swish to register seventh win on the trot
Kenya Basketball Federation Women’s Premier League defending champions Kenya Ports Authority beat Th3 Swish 77-59 in a match played yesterday at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
KCB, Kabras Sugar storm into Kenya Cup final
KCB RFC has secured a place in the 2025-2026 Kenya Cup final after a commanding 52-07 victory over Nondescripts in a one-sided semi-final clash at the KCB Sports Club yesterday.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS