It was “chaotic,” “wild,” and “intense,” but Jurgen Klopp couldn’t figure out how Liverpool didn’t win “one of the best games” in Premier League history.
“Wow,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after his team blew a two-goal lead at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool rarely has a quiet game against Arsenal, but few could have predicted the drama that would ensue when the league leaders arrived in Merseyside.
After teammate Mohamed Salah missed a penalty, the Reds rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 thanks to substitute Roberto Firmino’s 87th-minute equalizer.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made two spectacular late saves, Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander-first-half Arnold’s brawl enthralled the crowd, and an extraordinary incident involving assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson added to the controversy.
“I’m not exaggerating, it’s one of the best games I’ve ever seen,” ex-England defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports after Arsenal extended its lead over second-place Manchester City to six points.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard called it a “crazy game,” and Arteta witnessed the “jungle” atmosphere at Anfield that he predicted on Friday.
After Ramsdale’s heroics in stoppage time, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp couldn’t believe his team hadn’t won all three points.
“In the end, it was a spectacular game. I’m not sure how we didn’t win it with those late chances “Klopp added.
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“This was typical of us this season. A game that is completely open. They score in the first and second situations. Our reaction was positive.
“I’m stuck between [being happy and not being happy]. Drawing comes naturally to me. Arsenal were excellent, but they could and should have lost. For them, the point is more important. We were suddenly in charge of a wild game.”
Liverpool had 19 shots inside the opposing box at Anfield, the most Arsenal has faced in a Premier League match since data collection began (2003-04 onwards).
Arsenal manager Arteta stated: “The game was under control until we conceded a really sloppy goal, which shifted the game’s momentum. We then lost control.
“It became a very transitional, chaotic game. Liverpool could get three or four goals. True, we could have scored two or three points, so the final score may be fair.”
‘What a spectacle!’ says one. – Your response
Rick: I just saw the best game of the season, not because of the quality, but because of the sheer drama and frenetic to and fro. A fair result – neither team deserved to lose; congratulations to both teams; what a spectacle!
Rachel: A classic, belting Premier League game. Brilliant!
Andrew: That was a memorable Premier League game.
Richard: What a pair of incredible saves they were. Season-defining, game-changing saves of the highest caliber. Incredible.
Andrew: How and why are Liverpool vs. Arsenal games always so spectacularly insane? It’s a joy to watch!
