Arsenal dealt blow as 2 star defenders get subbed out after picking up knocks against Liverpool
Arsenal were dealt a blow during their 2-2 Premier League home draw with Liverpool on Sunday (October 27), as Gabriel and Jurrien Timber had to come off injured in the second half.
Coming into the clash at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta's side took the lead inside nine minutes through Bukayo Saka before Virgil van Dijk equalised for the Reds nine minutes later.
Summer signing Mikel Merino put the Gunners back in front two minutes before the break before Mohamed Salah forced a share of the spoils in the 81st minute. Before that, the hosts had seen Gabriel come off in the 54th minute, getting replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Fifteen minutes from time, Timber came off for Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the Gunners still in the lead. But the game wouldn't end that way, as Salah ensured that Arne Slot's side won't return empty-handed to Anfield.
Gunners boss Arteta expressed his pride in the team but bemoaned conceding a late equaliser to Liverpool, telling Sky Sports (via BBC):
"Very proud of the team. The courage, quality, domination in the game we wanted to play especially in the first half. Should've been a bigger score in first half, they came out in second half, and we didn't have courage.
The Gunners next travel to Preston North End on Wednesday in the EFL Cup fourth round.
"Really disappointed not to win" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta following Liverpool draw
In his aforementioned interaction with Sky Sports, Arsenal boss lamented his team's inability to take the win against Liverpool despite leading twice at the Emirates.
Admitting that the Gunners dominated proceedings, Arteta rued the lapses leading up to Salah's late equaliser as the two teams split points in a four-goal thriller in north London.
"Really disappointing not to win it because when you look at the chances, we should have won the game," he said (as per BBC). "The team played so well. We were dominant and very determined.
"Really aggressive and played in the right areas to create some big chances. We are open in transition for the second goal. Against this team, you cannot do that if you want to win the game."
The Gunners return to Premier League action with a trip to Newcastle United on November 2. They are third in the standings with 18 points after nine games, five behind leaders Manchester City, who are seeking an unprecedented fifth straight league title.