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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Martin Odegaard highlights one Arsenal player for praise after Liverpool draw

Martin Odegaard was left frustrated by Arsenal’s performance against Liverpool as they “gave the ball away in stupid areas” and slipped to a draw.

The Gunners raced into a two-goal lead at Anfield on Sunday thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as they looked to secure a first win at Liverpool in the Premier League since 2012 and extend their lead over Manchester City at the top to eight points.

Liverpool, however, hit back as Mohamed Salah scored before the break and then Roberto Firmino struck in the 87th minute.

“We started the game really well,” Odegaard said. “Before they scored, we controlled everything. We played the way we wanted to play and how we planned to try and attack the game, it was good.

“Then after their goal, the game changed a bit and the momentum changed. We gave the ball away in stupid areas, we let them run too many times behind us, so they created a lot of problems, especially in the second half.

“Rambo (Aaron Ramsdale) was really good back there, but again it wasn’t enough. Again, it was frustrating and we just have to take the point and move on.”

Arsenal dominated the first 30 minutes, but after that Liverpool had a string of good chances and will feel like they should have claimed all three points.

Salah missed a penalty early in the second half, while he was denied on more than one occasion by Ramsdale. Arsenal are now six points clear of Manchester City with eight matches to go, but Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand and welcome the Gunners to the Etihad later this month.

“(Ramsdale) played a great game and saved us in many situations,” Odegaard added. “As I said it could have been more goals for them, but he was unbelievable, and a missed penalty as well, so I’ll guess we’ll have to take the point and move on.

“In the end, it’s a point we have to take and move on, Of course, we’re all frustrated as we wanted to come here and win, but we have to move on and just win the next one.

“When you come here, you have to be at your very best in every situation and you cannot give them anything and you see what happens.

“It’s a tough place to come but I feel like we had the chance today and that’s why it’s a bit disappointing with the way the game changed especially in the second half.”

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