Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal left the Gunners at the top of the table once again for Christmas. The two sides were battling it out for the top spot in the Premier League, and Mohamed Salah’s goal allowed them to equalise Gabriel’s opener with the spoils shared between the two teams.
Kostas Tsimikas also picked up a shoulder injury after a collision with Jurgen Klopp, and it is likely that the Greek defender will also miss some matches. With Andy Robertson also out with a shoulder injury, the left-back position is one that will cause Klopp problems in the coming weeks.
Arsenal hold Liverpool to a draw at Anfield: What this means for the Premier League title race
Joe Gomez will likely step up in their absence, and Klopp will have to hope that he avoids injury while Robertson returns. On the other hand, Mohamed Salah’s absence during the AFCON will also be a huge blow considering how vital he has been to Liverpool’s attack and helping them directly earn results.
Liverpool were also denied a penalty for Martin Odegaard’s handball in the first half in spite of a VAR check. A penalty decision might have changed the course of the title race drastically. But, the penalty was not given and the game eventually had to be drawn by Salah from open play.
And after surviving the Anfield onslaught, Arsenal will be backing their chances of getting the job done this time around. But, they will have to be more clinical in their finishing to really cement themselves as title contenders in the second half of the season.
Salah’s absence because of AFCON will test the rest of Liverpool’s attack, which is when their true worth as contenders will be determined. And it will be interesting to see whether they are able to keep the momentum going in January.
