3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's draw with Liverpool

  • The Gunners let two leads slip
  • Set pieces scored and conceded
  • Key players returned but more injury concerns
It was an important result for Arsenal
It was an important result for Arsenal / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Positive #2: More set piece goals scored

Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino headed in from a free kick / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

It wasn't all doom and gloom for Arsenal on the set-piece front - as it rarely is. Their second goal came from a free kick as Mikel Merino headed in from Declan Rice's brilliant delivery to score his first for the club and restore the Gunners' lead just before half-time.

This was Arsenal's 24th goal scored from a set piece since the start of the 2023/24 season, the most of any Premier League team.

Against title rivals Liverpool, the Gunners showed once again how deadly they can be from set pieces and that they can unlock even the best of defences. Merino's goal certainly won't be the last Arsenal score from a set piece this season.


Negative #2: More injury worries

Gabriel
Gabriel was one of two players taken off through injury / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Arsenal's draw with Liverpool saw two more key players fall to injury. Both Gabriel Magalhaes and Timber were withdrawn in the second half.

Gabriel was taken off with a knee injury after initially trying to play on. Mikel Arteta confirmed after the game that he was still awaiting details and that the Brazilian was being assessed.

Timber was also subbed off after picking up a knock having spent a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a muscle injury. Arteta admitted post-match that he and his team tried everything to "accelerate the process" so the Dutchman's injury may be related to the previous one he suffered.

The extent of both players' injuries are currently unknown so both Arteta and his side's fans will be anxiously waiting to hear. It will no doubt cause worry considering the importance of both players to this team.

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