When Arsenal and Liverpool drew 2-2 on Sunday afternoon, they were once again left cursing their luck. After leading twice against Arne Slot’s team at home, the Gunners ended the game with a remarkably improvised back four, and injuries once again showed up during a heated contest at the top of the table. Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to north London, Mikel Arteta was already missing a few important first-team players, and he left the Emirates Stadium doubting the fitness of a number of more players.
Arsenal battled with major defensive absences, but their performance against Liverpool was full of tenacity. Following goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, Arteta’s team battled hard to maintain their slim lead. But in the end, Liverpool’s counterattack which saw Mohamed Salah score a late equalizer was what cost Arsenal the victory.
Arteta bemoans growing injury list
Due to injuries, the Gunners were already missing important players like Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard, while William Saliba was suspended. But as the game went on, things got worse by forcing Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber off the field, leaving Arsenal’s defense diminished. “We must adjust to it, and we do so at this time. The bravery with which the guys played again today was incredible, therefore we must encourage and commend them,” Arteta told Reuters.
Arsenal hopes to bring back captain Martin Odegaard shortly as they continue to navigate a difficult time. Odegaard was hopeful that he would return, but Arteta warned that he would be gone for a while.
