Will Arsenal’s slip in chaotic Anfield clash prove costly in title race?

It’s a result that leaves Arsenal’s fortune simultaneously in their own hands, but also in Manchester City’s, with the showdown on Wednesday April 26 having the potential to decide where the Premier League trophy ends up this season.

In campaigns gone by, a 2-2 draw at Anfield would have been a result to be happy with, and one that the Gunners may have been relieved by at full-time.

But after a scintillating opening 40 minutes on Merseyside, in which Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had them 2-0 up, it’s a result that ultimately could prove costly.

After Liverpool’s first goal in the 42nd minute from Mohamed Salah – who also missed a penalty – there was an air of inevitability about the result, similar to the second half against City at the Emirates, and substitute Roberto Firmino’s late header realised those fears.

When the going gets tough and the game starts to go away from Arsenal, against teams at the top level, Mikel Arteta hasn’t figured out a way to stop the slide.

It’s a difference-maker at the elite level, the level that defines champions. 

One player to come out of the game with enormous praise is Aaron Ramsdale, who notably made two stunning saves at the end of the game to ultimately help clinch the point.

Ramsdale has been questioned by some throughout his time at Arsenal but his development has been remarkable and he’s producing performances this season that are single-handedly winning Arsenal points. Petr Cech was labelled as a keeper worth 15 points a season to the Gunners – Ramsdale is currently doing just that.

The Gunners now sit six points clear having played one extra game than City, meaning the gap could be closed to just three points with that game at the Etihad still to play.

Pep Guardiola’s side look to have clicked into gear of late – with a Champions League semi-final on the cards after their 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in midweek – so it’s imperative Arsenal do not let their heads drop and maintain their current gap to give themselves a chance in late April.

Arsenal travel to London Stadium on Sunday at 2pm to face a West Ham United side still looking over their shoulders.

And the Hammers will be coming off of a midweek clash against Belgian side Gent in the Europa Conference League, giving the Gunners the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.