Roberto Firmino’s late header earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw with leaders Arsenal as the Premier League title race was blown wide open in a pulsating Anfield encounter.
The league-leading Gunners looked set to pass the toughest assessment of their title credentials with a first Anfield win since 2012 when Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus struck in an imperious opening 28-minute spell.
Mohamed Salah sparked the Liverpool revival, halving the deficit three minutes before half-time, but his missed second-half penalty looked to have handed Arsenal the victory they needed to restore their eight-point lead at the summit.
Liverpool’s perseverance was rewarded three minutes from time when Arsenal’s nemesis Firmino levelled the contest with a header – his 10th Premier League goal against the Gunners.
The drama continued in a thrilling finale as Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale produced two sensational saves to prevent Salah and Ibrahima Konate scoring stoppage-time winners, as Arsenal clung onto a first Anfield point in seven seasons which could prove priceless if their title aspirations are to come to fruition.
Arsenal remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League and still have their fate in their hands but the sight of their seven-game winning run ending will only embolden champions Manchester City, who have played a game fewer and welcome the Gunners to the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
What next?
Liverpool head to Leeds on April 17 for Monday Night Football while Arsenal’s title bid continues as they go to West Ham on Sunday April 16