Salah’s late goal frustrates Arsenal’s efforts to close gap in EPL race

Mohamed Salah’s late equalizer rescued a point for Liverpool in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, leaving the Gunners five points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Bukayo Saka, making his return from injury, broke the deadlock in the ninth minute with a stunning solo effort, dribbling past Andy Robertson and smashing a shot into the roof of the net.

However, Liverpool quickly responded through Virgil Van Dijk, who had narrowly avoided a red card earlier.

His equalizer came in the 18th minute with a header from a Luis Diaz flick.

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino restored the lead late in the first half with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s free-kick, a goal upheld after a lengthy VAR check confirmed he was onside.

But injuries plagued Arsenal throughout, with Gabriel and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half, leaving manager Mikel Arteta’s defense in a makeshift state.

With ten minutes remaining, Liverpool seized their opportunity.

Trent Alexander-Arnold played a pinpoint pass to Darwin Nunez, who cut back for Salah to slot in the equalizer.

Arsenal pushed for a winner, but a late goal from Kai Havertz was disallowed for a foul.

The hard-fought draw puts Arsenal under pressure as they aim to stay in contention, now trailing City by five points.