Granit Xhaka to blame as Arsenal blow huge title chance in dramatic Liverpool draw | Football | Sport

Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their quest to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and many may blame Granit Xhaka for his role in Liverpool finding a way back into the game. The leaders let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Anfield in a classic encounter on Merseyside.

Arsenal took an early lead when Gabriel Martinelli poked home after Virgil van Dijk had inadvertently deflected the ball into his path. Mikel Arteta’s side were dreaming when they doubled their lead in the 28th minute.

Gabriel Jesus headed in Martinelli’s cross to silence the home supporters. But in a fiery contest on Merseyside, Liverpool struck back just before half-time when Mohamed Salah turned in from close range after Jordan Henderson scuffed a shot.

Salah had the perfect chance to equalise from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the break but missed the target for the second successive time from 12 yards. Roberto Firmino did grab a late equaliser to break Arsenal hearts and easily could have won the game but for some fine saves from Aaron Ramsdale. Express Sport brings you everything we learned from a thrilling encounter.

Arsenal blow huge chance

Everyone knew the test Arsenal faced when travelling to Anfield. They hadn’t won a league game there since Arteta was playing in midfield in 2012.

They had the perfect start by racing into a 2-0 lead which looked comfortable for a period of time. However, weaknesses that haven’t been evident for much of the season came to the fore.

Blowing a 2-0 lead could be hugely damaging to the mentality of the Arsenal side heading into the remaining games. There is now just six points between Arsenal and City and Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand. There is no more room to slip up.

Xhaka hasn’t changed

Granit Xhaka may well be enjoying his best season in an Arsenal shirt. Gunners fans now like him, and some even love him.

But a leopard doesn’t change his spots and the Swiss was to blame for Liverpool getting back into the game. Arsenal were cruising at 2-0 and Anfield was quiet aside from the travelling supporters.

However, Xhaka’s coming together with Trent Alexander-Arnold woke up both the crowd and the Liverpool players. It was needless and was an incident typical of his first six years in the Premier League.

Liverpool went straight up the other end and scored. Xhaka can’t be solely blamed but to be successful at Anfield, you must keep the crowd quiet – he did the opposite.