Mo Salah, Gabriel Magalhaes Strikes as Arsenal Hold Liverpool at Anfield to Retain Premier League Top Spot

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May 8, 2023
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Gabriel Magalhaes scored his first Premier League goal this season.

Mohamed Salah scored his 10th Premier League goal against Arsenal

Alexander-Arnold recorded his 7th assist against Arsenal.


It was a thriller of a clash as Arsenal trade tackles with Liverpool at Anfield in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

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Dominik Szoboszlai battles Gabriel Martinelli for the ball

Liverpool went into the game on the back of a barren draw with Manchester United in their last game while Arsenal comfortably dispatched Brighton, and had hoped to continue their charge again for the Premier League title with a win against the Reds.

Arsenal started the game on the front foot, frantically making attempts to take the lead. Just two minutes into the game, the Gunners came close to their first chance through a corner.

Bukayo Saka swung the corner into the box but Gabriel Jesus' header was comfortably saved by Allison.

Liverpool made little progress charging upfield and ceded control of the game to the Gunners. The Reds were forced into resolute defending by Arsenal's unceasing pressure.

Two minutes after Saka's corner, Arsenal finally took the lead from a free-kick. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard whipped the free-kick into the box, and a great header from Gabriel Magalhaes flings the ball pass Allison Becker to give the away side the lead.

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Gabriel Magalhaes scores header from Odegaard's free-kick to give Arsenal the lead

Trailing by the lone, Liverpool suddenly began to build their presence into the game, trying to find a leveler. Nevertheless, Arsenal still dominated proceedings, attacking with intensity and foiling the Reds' offensives.

It took Liverpool almost half an hour before they could register their first attempt on target, and when they did, it was a goal.

Struggling to build up an offensive from the back into Arsenal's box, Alexander-Arnold finally came to Liverpool's rescue.

The English defender picked Mo Salah at the far right in Arsenal's half with an incredible long ball over the top. Receiving the ball, Salah easily dribbled off Zinchenko and advanced into the box before firing a rocket pass David Raya to even the score.

It was the Egyptian's 10th Premier League goal against Arsenal while Alexander-Arnold registered his 7th assist against Arsenal - the most a Premier League defender has had against any Premier League club.

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Mo Salah celebrates scoring the equaliser for Liverpool

Liverpool came close to taking the lead in 40th minute after Mo Salah had his way in Arsenal box. Instead of going for goal, Salah opted to thread a pass to Cody Gakpo but Dutch could not catch up with the ball.

Arsenal also had a golden chance to take the lead in the 41st minute. Gabriel Jesus had put Saka through on goal after Arsenal's counter. Allison Becker spotted the danger and rushed out to block the ball but missed it. Saka's touch then fell on a platter for Martinelli. The Brazilian winger had an open net to fire Arsenal into the lead but ended up hitting the back of the net.

The first half ended with both sides settling for a goal apiece.

The second half started on a frantic pace as the first as both sides tried to take the lead. It was largely end to end as both sides waltzed forward with energy and intensity.

Liverpool seem to have the better of the visitors with some chances but could not convert them.

The game edged on the final 15 minutes with the two sides unable to find the back of the net. Jurgen Klopp made three substitutions trying to twist the game.

He took off Gakpo, Jones, and Diaz for Nunez, Gravenberch, and Elliot respectively. Mikel Arteta took off Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus for Eddie Nketiah.

In the 81st minute, Alexander-Arnold brought down Kai Havertz in the box with Arsenal players waving for a penalty but Chris Kavanagh waved for the match to be played on.

The match finally ended with both sharing spoils after the final whistle. The draw has seen Arsenal retain top spot in the Premier League with 40 points with Liverpool second with 39 points.