Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League Game
Martin Skrtel scored deep into injury time to earn Liverpool a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal looked set to move to within three points of the top four after coming from a goal down to lead 2-1. After falling behind to a goal from Philippe Coutinho, the Gunners—who had been outplayed for large spells of the game—battled back. They got goals from Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud and looked set to steal the three points.
However, Skrtel—head bandaged after taking a nasty knock earlier in the match—powered a header into the bottom corner.
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"Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal FT: Shots: 27-5 Shots on target: 10-2 Possession: 58%-42% Chances created: 21-4 pic.twitter.com/iogD5W8yaS
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 21, 2014"
Liverpool fashioned enough chances to win three or four games, and the late leveller was the least they deserved.
Arsenal’s midfield lacked zip, and Liverpool—in particular Coutinho and Adam Lallana—were able to find space to run at the Gunners’ defence.
Both Coutinho and Lallana crafted shooting opportunities in the opening half an hour, but neither effort tested Wojciech Szczesny.
Liverpool’s dominance continued as the first half wore on, as did the lack of end product.
Lazar Markovic passed up two good chances to open the scoring. He showed excellent skill to break into the box, only to see his shot saved by Szczesny.
And, on 39 minutes, Raheem Sterling rolled away from Per Mertesacker with worrying ease for Arsenal, before playing the ball into the path of Markovic. The winger struck the ball first time, but he sent it high over Szczesny’s crossbar.
Liverpool kept banging on the door and got their reward moments before the interval. Arsenal gave the ball away deep in their own half and Coutinho made them pay, as he collected a ball on the edge of the box before firing a shot that found its way in off the post.
"PHOTO: A brilliant shot of #LFC celebrating @Phil_Coutinho's goal pic.twitter.com/MJvL4LNLmI
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 21, 2014"
It was no more than Liverpool deserved for an excellent opening half. However, the Reds did not go in to the break in front, as Arsenal found a leveller almost immediately.
Having looked impotent as an attacking force, Arsenal won a free-kick on the right-hand side.
Alarm bells rang immediately, given Liverpool’s frailties at defending set pieces this season, and they were right to sound. The Gunners won a couple of headers in the box and Debuchy arrived at the far post to get above Martin Skrtel and head beyond Brad Jones.
Conceding on the stroke of half time was a blow to Liverpool, but they came out in positive fashion at the start of the second half. Chances were again crafted, Coutinho seeing a shot blocked, Lucas shooting off target and Steven Gerrard sending a header over the bar.
Arsenal were not in the game for large swathes of the contest, but they dealt a sucker punch to Liverpool on 65 minutes.
A matter of minutes after Giroud had accidentally trod on Skrtel’s head, which led to a lengthy stoppage, the Frenchman fired Arsenal ahead.
It was an excellent, flowing, Arsenal-like move as Santi Cazorla got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Giroud to smash a shot between Jones’ legs.
"#lfc 1-2 #afc Stunning move. Giroud plays a one-two with Cazorla and fires Arsenal in front. Against the run of play but a fine goal.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 21, 2014"
Liverpool could well have been out of sight had they taken their chances, but they found themselves behind with 25 minutes left on the clock.
Chances continued to fall to Liverpool, but they just could not take them. Steven Gerrard scuffed a shot wide, a drive from Coutinho lacked venom and Lucas saw a decent effort flash a yard wide.
When Liverpool did find the target, a header from substitute Fabio Borini—who was later sent off for two quick bookings—and low drive from Raheem Sterling, they were denied by the impressive Szczesny.
But Liverpool simply refused to lie down, and with the clock on 96 minutes, Skrtel—the player whose injured caused the added time—rose high to head home and grab a point.
"Hugely entertaining, insane game. Skrtel brought some sanity to scoreline. Liverpool resilient. Szczesny excellent. But those defences...
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 21, 2014"
It will be a quick turnaround for both sides, with the festive period bringing games in rat-a-tat fashion. Both managers will assess their players ahead of the Boxing Day programme. Arsenal have had a raft of injuries to contend with, but the sight of Theo Walcott on the bench for this game will be a real boost.
Arsenal did lack attacking zip for much of the contest, so Arsene Wenger may well consider throwing him in at some stage against QPR.
For Liverpool, there were plenty of positives to take despite failing to win, and they should head to Burnley on Boxing Day with thoughts of victory in mind.
Notable Player Grades
Mathieu Flamini: D
The Frenchman is supposed to be the defensive shield for Arsenal, but the game simply passed him by and he offered no protection to his back four.
Olivier Giroud: B
It was a mixed bag from the Frenchman. He was on the periphery for spells of the game and did not appear overly interested in changing that. But he came to life mid-way through the second half and got his reward.
Alexis Sanchez: C
The Chilean has been a bright spark for Arsenal this term, but this was not his best day. He did not shirk the issue, which is good to see, but the brilliance was not on show.
Philippe Coutinho: B+
An excellent display from the Brazilian whose movement was superb, both with and without the ball.
Adam Lallana: C+
The midfielder started extremely well and often found space in the hole between midfield and defence, but his influence dimmed as the game progressed.
Reaction
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Skrtel said: "We wanted to get the three points today, but being down one goal to equalise in the last minute we are happy for that, but to not get the three points is disappointing."
