Mohamed Salah scored a late equaliser as Liverpool twice came from behind against Arsenal to earn a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Egyptian turned home after Darwin Nunez squared with ten minutes remaining, with Arne Slot’s side rewarded for largely dominating the second-half. It leaves Liverpool a point behind leaders Manchester City, as Arsenal remain four points behind the Reds.
Liverpool had trailed at half-time, after Arsenal produced one of their best 45-minute displays of the season. Bukayo Saka, back from injury and straight into the starting lineup, opened the scoring inside nine minutes, racing onto a brilliant ball from Ben White, chopping inside Andy Robertson and firing past Caoimhin Kelleher. Virgil van Dijk provided the swift response for Liverpool, heading in from a corner, but Arsenal restored their lead before the break.
Mikel Merino, who had earlier in the half missed a huge chance, made no mistake from Declan Rice’s free-kick, powering in a header of his own to get off the mark in an Arsenal shirt. The second half was a cagier affair, Liverpool pressing and Arsenal dropping deeper. With Jurrien Timber and Gabriel forced off with injury, it was maybe no real surprise that Liverpool took advantage down that flank. Trent Alexander-Arnold played Darwin Nunez in behind, he rolled the ball into the path of Salah and the finish was as composed as it was inevitable.
Arsenal vs Liverpool latest updates
- GOAL! Salah gets Liverpool level again
- GOAL! Merino puts Arsenal back in front
- GOAL! Van Dijk equalises for Liverpool
- GOAL! Saka fires Arsenal into early lead
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22:53 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta was forced to name a sixth different back-four in just nine Premier League games this season.
Jurrien Timber managed to make this clash with Liverpool, but he could only last just over 70 minutes before having to come off.
By that point, Arsenal had already lost another defender to injury as Gabriel was forced off early in the second-half. The defender seemed to have an issue with his knee and went straight down the tunnel for treatment after coming off.
Jakub Kiwior came on in Gabriel’s place and Lewis-Skelly replaced Timber - and it was down that side that Salah’s equaliser came.
Van Dijk on Arsenal injury problems
18:57 , Matt VerriVirgil van Dijk played down the severity of Arsenal’s injury problems after Liverpool earned a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Much of the build-up was dominated by talk of who would miss the game for the Gunners, with William Saliba suspended and the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all major doubts.
Calafiori did not make the squad but Saka and Timber were fit to start, handing Arsenal a major boost against one of their big title rivals.
Gabriel and Timber were forced off in the second half, leaving Arsenal further depleted at the back, but Van Dijk had little interest in discussing those problems.
Asked if Liverpool sensed a chance to win the match when Gabriel and Timber added to Arsenal’s injury issues, he responded dryly: “Another player injured? I think they only had two players injured today.
“They played a very, very strong team. It’s part of the game.”
Arsenal ratings
18:41 , Matt VerriBukayo Saka 8
Opened the scoring with a great goal and gave Andy Robertson a torrid time all afternoon. Back with a bang after missing the last two games due to injury.
Declan Rice 9
A monster in the middle of the pitch, especially in the first half. Broke up the play so well and set up Arsenal’s second goal with a pin-point free-kick.
Read our player ratings in full here!
How Liverpool earned a point...
18:33 , Matt VerriHere is that Mohamed Salah equaliser.
Arsenal caught out down their left, with Jurrien Timber and Gabriel off the pitch.
Ruthless from Liverpool.
Mo Salah finds the equaliser for Liverpool! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/d25GlFIwnK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:30 , Matt VerriAnd that’s full-time.
Arsenal twice took the lead but they cannot hold on for all three points.
Van Dijk and then Salah hit back for Liverpool, who maintain their four-point advantage over the Gunners.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:29 , Matt Verri90+6 mins: Trossard plays it through to Rice, who lifts the cross to the back post.
Merino throws himself at it, Van Dijk heads it away to Jesus.
Looks to be an Arsenal corner... somehow a goal-kick is given. Tsimikas turned it behind but the linesman has missed it from about ten yards away.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:26 , Matt Verri90+5 mins: Will either side get one more chance?
Both sides probably would have taken a point before the match, and think that’s still the case now.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:25 , Matt Verri90+3 mins: Liverpool corner.
Alexander-Arnold swings it in, Van Dijk the target as ever but Arsenal deal with it.
And Endo, on for Liverpool, then fouls Nwaneri to stop any hopes of a counter.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:23 , Matt Verri90 mins: Seven minutes added on.
Havertz lifted the ball over Kelleher, was too strong for Alexander-Arnold and Jesus tapped into an empty net.
But the whistle was blown long before.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:22 , Matt Verri90 mins: Arsenal certainly looking more dangerous now. Jesus and Nwaneri have made an impact.
Gunners have the ball in the net... but the whistle has gone!
Havertz absolutely furious.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:19 , Matt Verri87 mins: Havertz with a lovely dinked ball to the back post, Jesus’ volleyed effort is turned behind for a corner.
Arsenal’s first of the match. Gabriel not on the pitch, so who will Arsenal aim for?
Nwaneri swings it in, Merino makes that Gabriel run but it’s headed out. Jesus from the edge of the area... saved.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:16 , Matt Verri85 mins: Two Arsenal changes, with fresh legs needed.
Nwaneri and Jesus are on, replacing Saka and Martinelli.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:15 , Matt Verri83 mins: Can Arsenal shift gears and get back on the attack?
If one team is to win this, you wouldn’t say it will be Arsenal the way the match is going...
Simon Collings at the Emirates
18:13 , Matt VerriArsenal's creaking backline breaks.
The goal comes down the Arsenal left - where Gabriel and Timber have been forced to come off.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool | Mohamed Salah 81'
18:13 , Matt VerriLIVERPOOL HIT BACK!
Alexander-Arnold with a wonderful ball in behind and Nunez is away.
He squares it for Salah, who is never missing from 12 yards out.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:11 , Matt Verri79 mins: Arsenal with everyone near enough back on the edge of their own area.
Still at least 15 minutes to see out with added-time, but Alexander-Arnold playing it straight out play when trying to find Salah helps.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:08 , Matt Verri77 mins: Havertz lashes over from distance, as Van Dijk came out to close him down.
Lewis-Skelly is on at left-back. Partey at right-back, Kiwior in the middle... Arsenal really are being tested.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:07 , Matt Verri75 mins: Rare chance for Arsenal, as Trossard fires a path through to Martinelli.
Poor first touch, and Konate can lump it out of play. Timber down again, Lewis-Skelly is getting ready to come on.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:05 , Matt Verri74 mins: Timber back up and carrying on, not convinced he’ll be on for much longer.
Martinelli, meanwhile, skips away from Alexander-Arnold, and can’t then squeeze a cute pass through to Trossard.
Arsenal so quick to get back and into their shape when they lose it.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:03 , Matt Verri72 mins: Arsenal’s problems are growing...
Timber has gone down now. Looks to be cramp, but not sure he’s going to be able to continue.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:02 , Matt Verri70 mins: White boots it long... to nobody. Arsenal struggling to keep the ball, it’s all getting very nervy at the Emirates.
Going to be a long 20 minutes for the hosts if this pattern continues.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:00 , Matt Verri68 mins: Gravenberch kick the ball into Trossard’s face and is penalised for a high boot - right in front of Slot, who is less than impressed.
Arsenal are no longer playing out from the back. Raya going long every time.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:59 , Matt VerriArsenal starting to drop a bit deeper here and they need to be careful.
Still 25 minutes to go.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:57 , Matt Verri66 mins: Raya is shown a yellow card, taking too long over a goal kick.
Fair to say Arsenal are not in a rush right now.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:57 , Matt Verri65 mins: But not it’s another spell of Liverpool pressure.
Merino’s appeals for a free-kick waved away, Gravenberch can bring it forward. He’s 30 yards out and lashes a strike miles over.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:55 , Matt Verri63 mins: Better from Arsenal, getting back on the front foot themselves.
The threat is all coming down their left, Martinelli with a couple of chances to run at Alexander-Arnold. Can’t pick anyway out in the middle.
A triple Liverpool change. Robertson, Diaz and Mac Allister off, Tsimikas, Szoboszlai and Gakpo on.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:53 , Matt Verri61 mins: Another effort from Alexander-Arnold, this one looping over after taking a big deflection.
It’s increasingly constant pressure from Liverpool - not sure Arsenal can bank on just surviving this for another 30 minutes.
Corner comes to nothing, and big cheers from the home fans as Martinelli’s press forces Liverpool all the way back to Tsimikas.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:50 , Matt Verri58 mins: Arsenal were dominant in the final 20 minutes or so of the first-half, but Liverpool have looked more dangerous since the break.
Gunners dropping deeper in their shape. Alexander-Arnold tries his luck from miles out, dragged a long way wide.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:48 , Matt Verri56 mins: Chance for Arsenal to break down the left, with Timber incredibly cool under pressure from Salah.
Martinelli briefly looks to be away, but Konate is across to slam that door shut.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:46 , Matt VerriGabriel hobbles his way round the pitch with the physio after coming off.
Big 35 minutes coming up for Kiwior.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:45 , Matt Verri54 mins: That is the end of Gabriel’s match.
He limps off, Arsenal now without both of their first-choice centre-backs.
Kiwior is on and he will partner White.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:44 , Matt Verri52 mins: Salah with the one-two with Mac Allister, ball flashes across the face of goal.
Robertson plays it back in, Raya claims. And Gabriel has gone down again...
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:42 , Matt Verri50 mins: Arsenal down to ten briefly, with Rice slotting in at centre-back.
Gabriel is now back on the pitch and seems to be moving decently enough at the moment.
Diaz skips away from Partey and gets to the byline, dancing his way along it. Ends up basically just running into Raya.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:41 , Matt VerriThe last thing Arsenal need is another injury at the back.
Thankfully, Gabriel seems okay for now but one to watch.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:40 , Matt Verri49 mins: Well this is a major concern for Arsenal.
Gabriel has gone down off the ball, on comes the physio. It’s his left leg being stretched out.
Kiwior warming up on the touchline.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:39 , Matt Verri48 mins: One of the Liverpool backroom staff booked within about 20 seconds of the restart. Good effort.
Havertz is in behind Robertson, Saka waiting in the middle for the cross. Low ball in is cut out by Konate.
Back underway!
17:36 , Matt VerriUp and running again.
No changes from either side at the break.
Players on their way back out at the Emirates.
Will we see any changes from Liverpool? Mac Allister on a yellow card and Robertson really struggled against Saka.
Saka makes impact on return!
17:28 , Matt VerriIt was a perfect start for Arsenal.
Great ball in behind from White... and then it’s all about Saka.
Chops inside to beat Robertson and there is no stopping that finish.
STOP THAT, Bukayo Saka. 😍 pic.twitter.com/OhH1AZnpFO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:23 , Matt VerriBar conceding from a set-piece, Arsenal were excellent in that half.
Played with real intent and worked tirelessly off the ball, too.
Partey been excellent at right-back, likewise White at centre-back. Rice and Saka putting in big performances.
HT: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:21 , Matt VerriThe Gunners lead at the break!
Mikel Arteta’s side have been superb and certainly deserve that lead.
Bukayo Saka put them in front and, although Virgil van Dijk equalised, Mikel Merino’s header has put the Gunners back ahead.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:20 , Matt Verri45+4 mins: Liverpool enjoying a much better spell in the closing seconds of this half.
Mac Allister of all people is free in the box and picked out by Alexander-Arnold’s cross, but the header is comfortably saved by Raya.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:19 , Matt Verri45+3 mins: Harmless ball into the Arsenal box, Raya claims and topples to the ground.
Gunners just wanting to get to the half-time whistle now.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:16 , Matt VerriThat VAR check went on so long we had the amount of added time announced during it.
Four minutes, if you were wondering.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:16 , Matt VerriBoos ring out around the Emirates, as we continue to wait. Not sure why this is taking so long...
Here we go - goal stands!
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:15 , Matt VerriVAR checking it.
It’s tight, but Van Dijk took a big step back and his boot could be playing Merino on.
It’s a long, long check...
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool | Mikel Merino 43'
17:14 , Matt VerriBACK IN FRONT!
Rice with another wonderful ball in, Merino is free again... this time he powers the header in!
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:13 , Matt Verri42 mins: Slot increasingly animated on the touchline, as Arsenal continue to put the pressure on.
Partey brought down by Diaz out wide, another free-kick. Another chance for Gabriel to come up.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:10 , Matt Verri39 mins: Nunez comes charging back in defence and seems to wipe Saka out... referee not interested.
Replays would suggest he very much should have been. Came in from behind and launched Saka to the ground.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:09 , Matt VerriIt will, understandably, be like this all season - but if any opposition player kicks or throws the ball away, the Emirates crowd are letting the referee know it.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:08 , Matt Verri37 mins: Martinelli drifting inside again, this time whips the cross in.
It comes all the way to Havertz at the back post - he wasn’t expecting it.
Van Dijk misses it, Robertson caught out too, and the ball just bounces off Havertz. Arsenal firmly on top right now.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:06 , Matt Verri35 mins: Merino does superbly to bring down the switch of play, keeps Arsenal on the attack.
Timber lays it off inside to Martinelli, it’s a decent chance for the Brazilian. Edge of the area but it’s a wild effort... high and wide.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:04 , Matt Verri33 mins: Mac Allister with about four different fouls on Saka, who is too strong and too quick for him.
Liverpool midfielder is booked and he doesn’t bother arguing his case.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
17:03 , Matt VerriHaving seen the one at West Ham earlier, Arsenal might feel they have a case for a penalty there.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:02 , Matt Verri31 mins: Arsenal appeals for a penalty, ball then drops for Havertz... smashed over the bar.
Martinelli was six yards out as Konate came flying in, maybe just about got enough of the ball. Not sure though.
Wouldn’t quite fall quick enough for Havertz, and he can’t keep the strike down.
VAR not interested in that Konate challenge. On we go.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:00 , Matt Verri29 mins: Brilliant from Martinelli, gets away from Alexander-Arnold and fires the ball across the face of goal.
Saka in the middle can’t get there, nor can Havertz arriving at the back post.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:58 , Matt Verri27 mins: A bit of a mess in the Arsenal box, but they survive.
Salah played it back towards the edge of the area, Mac Allister and Jones there. White and Partey both have a go at clearing it, eventually Arsenal hack it away.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:56 , Matt Verri25 mins: Mac Allister down, Rice is about to kick the ball out but there is an eruption of jeers from the crowd... and he opts against it.
Good spell this for Arsenal, pinning Liverpool back. Saka has been electric.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
16:54 , Matt VerriAndy Robertson is having an absolutely torrid time trying to deal with Saka.
Arsenal winger has him on toast right now.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:54 , Matt Verri23 mins: Merino back on for the Gunners after some treatment.
Saka can have another run at Robertson, he’s got the beating of him. Ball dinked into the middle, Van Dijk heads it out.
Arsenal come again on the other flank, Martinelli tries to beat Alexander-Arnold but the Liverpool man holds firm.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:51 , Matt Verri20 mins: Free-kick for Arsenal after good work from Saka out wide, up come the defenders.
And it’s a big chance! Rice with the ball in, Merino is free six yards out... turns it wide.
He’s stayed down holding his shoulder.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
16:50 , Matt VerriThe second week in a row Arsenal have conceded from a set-piece.
They're usually rock solid from them, but that was sloppy.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool | Virgl van Dijk 18'
16:49 , Matt VerriLEVEL AGAIN!
So easy for Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold whips in a corner, Diaz flicks it on at the near post and Van Dijk nods it home from a few yards out.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:47 , Matt Verri16 mins: Few groans as Arsenal play it around in their own box. Home fans getting nervous already.
Not helped when Raya then loses his footing and sends it straight out of play.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:45 , Matt Verri14 mins: Saying that...
Merino loses the ball in a terrible position and Salah can pounce. First-time effort whipped just wide from 20 yards out.
Not far away at all.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:43 , Matt Verri12 mins: For all Arsenal haven’t been hugely convincing at times this season, they are not a side you want to concede first against.
Even without Saliba, they are capable of making it very difficult for Liverpool to break them down.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
16:42 , Matt VerriBrilliant from Saka - but what a ball that is by Ben White. The perfect weight and it completely opened Liverpool up.
The Emirates is rocking, now.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool | Bukayo Saka 9'
16:40 , Matt VerriSENSATIONAL!
White with a brilliant ball over the top... and it’s then ridiculously good from Saka.
Chops inside Robertson and hammers the finish past Kelleher at the near post.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:39 , Matt Verri8 mins: Salah tries to play the ball in behind Partey, Diaz had the run on him, but White does really well to read it an intercept.
Confident start from White, in a rare appearance at centre-back.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
16:37 , Matt VerriAlready a lovely amount of needle in this game, which is getting the crowd whipped up.
Havertz and Van Dijk that latest two to exchange words after a confrontation.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:37 , Matt Verri6 mins: Havertz has gone down and gets a mouthful from Van Dijk, who just kicked out at the Arsenal striker. Twice.
Referee gives the free-kick, that was strangely hot-headed from Van Dijk.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:35 , Matt Verri4 mins: Merino does well to track back and stop Salah breaking away down the right, with Timber pushed up that wing.
Liverpool fairly cautious out of possession, not charging up to press.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:33 , Matt Verri2 mins: Liverpool straight on the front foot, Saka tripping Robertson out wide. Free-kick in a good position for the visitors.
Alexander-Arnold trots over to take it, up come Van Dijk and Konate. Early test this for Arsenal.
Van Dijk flicks it on, White wins the second header to clear.
KICK-OFF!
16:30 , Matt VerriUp and running at the Emirates!
Will be a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off, with this Arsenal’s last home match before Remembrance Day.
Big occasion, big atmosphere. Arsenal fans will be buoyed by the team news, especially the return of Saka.
Arteta promised that the Gunners will be “flying” this afternoon... will they fly out of the blocks?
Time to find out.
Here we go!
16:24 , Matt VerriTeams are in the tunnel, they’ll be out in the next couple of minutes or so.
Dennis Bergkamp is pitchside ahead of kick-off - felt like he might have had a chance at making the bench a few days ago.
Arteta: Saka and Timber return a big boost
16:17 , Matt VerriBig smile on Mikel Arteta’s face as he is asked about the return of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber to the starting lineup.
The Arsenal boss says: “Yeah, we needed some players back. They tried so hard to be able to be in the squad, to be in the lineup today. It’s a big boost for us.
“They are playing because they feel good, they tick every box we needed them to. We want to be safe too, they are two very important players for us.”
Not long now!
16:11 , Matt VerriJust under 20 minutes to go until kick-off at the Emirates.
Warm-ups are underway... a massive encounter coming up very, very shortly.
Ready for pre-match preparations ⚡️@AXA | #Ad pic.twitter.com/ApWQlBqTaN
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2024
Elsewhere in the Premier League...
16:05 , Matt VerriHere are the full-time scores for you from the 2pm kick-offs. It’s not looking good for Erik ten Hag...
West Ham 2-1 Man United
Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
Arteta full of praise for 'remarkable' Liverpool
16:01 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta has insisted he is not surprised by Liverpool’s strong start to the season.
The Reds have impressed in all competitions, and have the chance to make it eight wins from nine in the Premier League.
Arteta said: “Arne’s a really good manager. He’s inherited a team that is successful and given it his touch to maintain and evolve in the direction he believes is the right way to do it.
“For me, they are one of the best teams in the last decade and certainly the history of this Premier League, because they competed against a team (Manchester City) that was creating record after record and they were consistently there.
“That shows a lot of relentless and winning mentality to consistently believe, even if some people feel you could not reach it.
“That’s a big credit to them and they have done the work with a clear identity, so that’s something remarkable in my opinion.”
Merson: Arsenal cannot afford to lose
15:52 , Matt VerriPaul Merson believes Arsenal’s title chances are as good as over if they are beaten by Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side arrive at the Emirates four points ahead of the Gunners.
And ahead of their top-of-the-table clash, former Arsenal hero Merson has made it clear his old side cannot afford to lose.
“If they lose this they go seven points behind them,” he told Sky Sports News.
“That's a lot of points, especially the way these teams are winning football matches. They beat lesser teams with ease and the gulf is massive at the moment.
“I'd be shocked. If Arsenal lost this and went on and won the league I'd be absolutely amazed. I would be flabbergasted.
“They're not just chasing one team down, but chasing two.
“All of this about how there will still be 29 games to go - Arsenal will be out the title (if they lose).”
Norway eyeing Odegaard return
15:43 , Matt VerriNorway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed he plans to have Martin Odegaard available for next month’s international fixtures.
The Arsenal captain has now been out for more than six weeks with an ankle injury picked up while playing for Norway in September.
Odegaard has stepped up his recovery recently, training individually and running on an anti-gravity treadmill, and has confirmed he is “getting closer” to being available.
Mikel Arteta has suggested Odegaard will return before the November international break, which has left Solbakken hopeful of being able to call up the 25-year-old for Norway’s fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
“Everything indicates that things are going according to plan,” the Norway manager told VG when asked if Odegaard would be ready to play for his country next month.
“So it's about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training. It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”
As it stands...
15:36 , Matt VerriWith Chelsea currently 2-1 up against Newcastle after 70 minutes at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners are down to fifth in the table for now.
Victory, though, and they will go back up to third and only three points off Man City at the top.
As for Liverpool, they will move to the summit again if they come away from north London with victory, and they would already have a seven-point advantage over the Gunners.
A lot riding on this match.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
15:30 , Matt VerriJurrien Timber vs Mohamed Salah the key battle?
"Mohamed Salah is Liverpool's biggest weapon in attack... Jurrien Timber is better equipped than anyone in the Arsenal squad to deal with him."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) October 27, 2024
🗣 @sr_collings gives his pre-match thoughts as the Gunners are handed a major double boost.
LIVE: https://t.co/suj0Tz0aNS #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/hU5sNNH2Sk
Saka and Timber start!
15:22 , Matt VerriWell then.
Huge boost for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber return from injury, and they are both straight back into the starting lineup.
Thomas Partey fills in at right-back this afternoon with Ben White partnering Gabriel in the middle, but it’s a much stronger Arsenal lineup than looked to be the case a few days ago.
No real surprises for Liverpool. Big decision is that both Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister start in midfield, as Dominik Szoboszlai is named on the bench.
Liverpool team news
15:17 , Matt VerriLiverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Subs: Jaros, Davies, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Quansah, Morton
Arsenal team news
15:15 , Matt VerriArsenal XI: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino; Saka; Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard
Subs: Neto, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Nichols, Myles-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus
Stand by...
15:10 , Matt VerriAll the team news from the Emirates coming up in the next five minutes.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber have both arrived with the Gunners squad - there could be some hugely positive news coming up for Arsenal fans...
The Arsenal.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2024
Team news 🔜 pic.twitter.com/rqFkb9nIVj
Arsenal must prove point without Saliba
15:01 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta has named five different back-fours in the Premier League this season and this afternoon that number will rise to six.
Arsenal have been hit by an injury crisis in defence and William Saliba’s suspension has only added to their woes.
The defender was sent off at Bournemouth last week and, for the first time since March last year, Arsenal will start a Premier League match without him when they host Liverpool.
Saliba played every minute in the Premier League last season and his absence is a huge blow. Since he made his debut, Arsenal have won 74 per cent of their Premier League games and conceded on average 0.8 goals per game
When the Frenchman has been out, the Gunners’ win rate drops to 45 per cent and they have conceded 1.6 goals per game.
Slot plays down Arsenal 'dark arts'
14:53 , Matt VerriLiverpool boss Arne Slot was quizzed in his press conference on whether he is ready for any ‘dark arts’ from Arsenal this afternoon.
“If I look at Arsenal and City it doesn’t even come to my mind about tactical fouls or dark arts, it only comes to my mind how well they play,” Slot responded.
Asked if his players were “streetwise” to cope if Arsenal did use those tactics, the Liverpool boss added: “It’s your words that they are implementing those tactics, the only thing I know is that my players are experienced and they know how to handle certain situations.
“I am not using the word streetwise, I am using the word experienced and you have to cope with if the other team is better than you and how you react in those moments.”
Arteta unable to 'sleep like a baby'
14:45 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal’s injury crisis is giving him sleepless nights.
Arsenal could be without seven players due to injury and suspension this afternoon, and Arteta said on Friday: “Normally, I prefer to go to bed with the lineup in my head so I can sleep like a baby.
“But sometimes it can not be as you have to wait for the next day. Sometimes two days before. Or just three days before you already have the idea: ‘Against this team, this is what I am going to do’ - but when you have uncertainty with injuries that is tricky.
“For me, the stress comes from two things. First, when you don’t have options, what do you do?
“And then, you get in the shoes of the players and every time you make a decision it is a positive one for somebody and not so positive for one. That’s what causes a little bit of tummy ache if anything.”
Stage is set!
14:38 , Matt VerriIt’s a glorious afternoon in north London...
Emirates Stadium 📍 pic.twitter.com/ewqyExoXbL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2024
Standard Sport prediction
14:31 , Matt VerriArteta is not short of problems.
Saka has returned to training in at least some capacity but is not certain to feature. Timber is another facing a race against time to be fit, along with Calafiori. Odegaard is out, and Saliba is suspended.
Liverpool, missing key players of their own, look capable of beating anyone and Mohamed Salah should be set for a big game taking on whoever is fit down Arsenal’s left. If Salah is on song, as he has been all season, this could be a statement win for the Reds.
Liverpool to win, 0-1.
Liverpool team news
14:25 , Matt VerriLiverpool will be without Diogo Jota for their Premier League showdown with Arsenal this afternoon.
Jota played half an hour in the 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend before he was forced off after Tosin Adarabioyo landed awkwardly on him.
The Liverpool forward missed the midweek 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in the Champions League and Arne Slot has confirmed he will not feature at Emirates Stadium.
Federico Chiesa, Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley also remain sidelined.
Andy Robertson is expected to come back into the side at left-back, after Kostas Tsimikas started in midweek.
Curtis Jones impressed against Chelsea last weekend and will hope to get the nod.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Arsenal team news
14:17 , Matt VerriArsenal are today sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been out since suffering a hamstring injury on England duty and Mikel Arteta has said it is “very uncertain” whether he and Jurrien Timber will be fit.
“He’s done a bit of training on the grass,” said Arteta about Saka on Friday. “How far we can get him before Sunday is another question. We have another day, which is a good thing. We will see.”
Timber is also back in training but he has not played since the start of this month due to a muscle issue.
Riccardo Calafiori is set to miss the Liverpool clash with the knee injury he suffered in the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, which could leave Arteta with a headache at left-back.
Arsenal will be without the suspended William Saliba, and if Timber and Calafiori are out it means Arteta will be forced into a major defensive reshuffle.
Ben White may be forced to play in the heart of defence alongside Gabriel, with Thomas Partey dropping into right-back.
On the other flank, Arteta has three left-backs to choose from in Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-2-2-2): Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino; Saka; Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard
How to watch Arsenal vs Liverpool
14:11 , Matt VerriTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts after Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle, with kick-off for Arsenal vs Liverpool at 4.30pm GMT.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here with us, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the Emirates!
Good afternoon!
14:04 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Liverpool!
It’s a huge clash in the Premier League, as table-topping Liverpool face their toughest test of the season so far.
Gunners have been in stumbling form, but there’s a chance for them to make a major statement here.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 4:30pm BST from the Emirates Stadium.
