Arsenal sit in third place in the Premier League; five points behind leaders Manchester City and four points behind second place Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta’s men had the chance to close the gap at the top last Sunday, but failed to take the chance. Bukayo Saka was disappointed by the result despite scoring in the game.
The game also had bad news for Arsenal, as Gabriel picked up an injury and had to be taken off just after halftime. Reports claim the injury could keep the Brazilian defender out for a while.
When asked how the draw with Liverpool affected Arsenal, Mikel Arteta said he was proud of his team’s performance:
“I’m very proud of the team especially with the situation that we are going through at the moment, and probably cannot imagine. But overall I think, especially first half, it was a total domination, we were really, really good, really sharp, really efficient, really determined and the result should’ve been bigger. Without conceding anything, basically we gave two goals away which is the disappointing part. And the fact we couldn’t see the game off, especially looking at ourselves, the two things that we didn’t do particular well and obviously about other aspects.”
BBC pundit analyses Arsenal title chances
Arsenal FC v Liverpool FC – Premier League LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Arsenal players form a pre-match huddle prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. London Emirates Stadium England United Kingdom Copyright: xVisionhausx 776172955
Even though it has just been nine games into the season; Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City seem to be the leading pack.
BBC pundit John Murray gave his assessment of the gunners so far:
“For Arsenal, yes they have been severely hit with absentees in defence and on Sunday they ended up with a back four of Thomas Partey, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly. None of them are first-choice in those positions, and it was then Liverpool found a way through to make it 2-2.
“There will be an anxious wait now for Mikel Arteta to find the extent of the knee or ankle problem that meant Gabriel could not run and forced him off. What is sure is that Arsenal will have to make do and mend, and with tricky away matches coming at Newcastle and Chelsea, they cannot afford to slip much further behind.”
Arsenal’s next league game is away to Newcastle, who have not won a Premier League game since September. They also have to face Preston in the League Cup midweek.
