Roberto Firmino's goal brought Liverpool down by two goals to draw with Arsenal and changed the situation in the Premier League title race dramatically, with Arsenal leading with six points, but the balance has shifted to Manchester City, who have one game to play.
Anfield Trap
After 29 games, Arsenal are five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. In the Premier League away from home, Arsenal have picked up 34 points, seven more than second-placed Manchester City.
Despite the very different forms of Arsenal and Liverpool, industry insiders still sweat for Arsenal, Carragher pointed out: "Despite the poor performance this season, Liverpool are still a completely different team at Anfield. We all know how difficult it is for the visitors to take all three points at Anfield. ”
Indeed, Liverpool have won 9 of their first 13 home games this season, drawn 3 and lost 1 of their first 13 home games, and since losing to Leeds on 29 October 2022, Liverpool are unbeaten at home in the Premier League, even beating Manchester United 7-0 in their last game.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's last win at Anfield was in September 2012, while Liverpool are unbeaten in seven Premier League home games against Arsenal since Jurgen Klopp's manager, winning six and drawing one. However, Carragher also said: "If Arsenal can win, then everyone will think that Arsenal will win the Premier League. ”
Brazil's twin stars shine
In the face of difficult trials, Arsenal played exceptionally well. Martinelli and Jesus scored in the first 28 minutes to give Arsenal an easy two-goal lead. After Jesus' header, Klopp shook his head on the sidelines.
Martinelli's goal was Liverpool's first conceded at home in the Premier League in 2023, while Jesus scored for the first time in a Premier League game at Anfield.
Even more embarrassing, Van Dijk's two mistakes led to two goals from his opponents, first by mistake to pass the ball at Martinelli's feet, and then without a jump in the box to allow Jesus to score with a header.
Arsenal scored two goals from five shots on target in the first half, scoring two goals when they expected only 1.2 goals, which shows the ability of the striker to seize the opportunity.
Legendary defender Neville noted: "The Arsenal trident is so good, we've been talking about Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino in the past, but the Arsenal trident is not far from them. ”
The championship situation has changed
In the second half, Liverpool launched an onslaught, and despite Salah's penalty, Nunez missed a one-handed opportunity. But at a crucial moment, Roberto Firmino seized the opportunity and scored with a header to help Liverpool equalise.
In the final moments, Liverpool continued to storm, and if it weren't for Ramsdell's miraculous save, Liverpool would have even completed a big comeback.
Roberto Firmino's goal has perpetuated three spells for Arsenal, who have not won away at Liverpool in the Premier League since 2 September 2012 and Arsenal have not beaten Liverpool away since Jurgen Kropp took charge. Meanwhile, Arsenal have not beaten Liverpool in a single season since 2009-10.
More importantly, after being forced to draw by Liverpool, Arsenal led Manchester City by six points, considering that Manchester City has one less game, Arsenal's advantage may only be three points. In terms of fixtures, three consecutive games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle will be Arsenal's final test, especially the away game against Manchester City on April 26, which will determine the Premier League title.
Carragher commented: "The title is back in the hands of Manchester City and this game may have a huge impact on Arsenal, who are fighting for the title. ”