3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's draw with Liverpool

Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool on Sunday evening, securing a crucial point that keeps their title hopes intact.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino had the Gunners leading on two occasions but equalisers by Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah ensured the spoils were shared on a cold night at Emirates Stadium.

In a game that had an arguably justified result, there were a number of positives and negatives for Arsenal to take from it.

Positive #1: Saka and Timber return

With injuries mounting, concerns regarding Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber's fitness were growing. These worries were buried, however, when the pair were named in the Arsenal starting XI to face Liverpool.

Both marked their returns with good performances, with Saka standing out in particular. Timber's comeback was cut short though as he was withdrawn in the second half after picking up a knock.

Timber's injury will no doubt cause more concern given that he had only just returned. Still though, it was extremely positive to see them both back in action on Sunday evening.

Negative #1: Another set piece goal conceded

Liverpool's first equaliser came from a corner, with Luis Diaz flicking on Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross for Virgil van Dijk to head past David Raya from point blank range. The Gunners defended the set piece poorly with the Reds' skipper easily getting in front of his marker to level the score.

Van Dijk's goal means just Southampton and Wolves have conceded more from set pieces than Arsenal in the Premier League this season, with seven.

This is not good for the Gunners as it looks to have become somewhat of a weakness, something that opposition teams will look to target in future games. Mikel Arteta must look to improve on this and it will need to be done soon.

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