The Reds returned to the summit of the Premier League after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates - but they could have had all three points
Eight minutes from perfection.
Liverpool are back on top of the Premier League, but they’ll have left the Emirates Stadium with more than a few regrets after Saturday evening's 1-1 draw.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were on the brink of a huge result, a statement victory, only for Alexandre Lacazette to turn up and spoil the party.
Arsenal, fairly, will feel they merited a point here. Liverpool, meanwhile, can reflect on a useful point away from home at a top-six rival.
frustration at his side’s inability to see the game out following James Milner’s second-half strike.
The Reds have equalled their best ever start to a Premier League campaign, but they could well have bettered it. They will expect to surrender top spot when Manchester City take on Southampton on Sunday.
They will rue a few key moments here: a Sadio Mane goal incorrectly ruled out in the first half; efforts against the woodwork from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk; and a headed chance for the latter after the break at 1-0.
In the end, though, they were punished by Lacazette’s fine 82nd-minute finish.
Arsenal remain in touch with the leading pack, their unbeaten run under Unai Emery extended to 14 games in all competitions.
They remain the kings of the second half, with 19 of their 25 league goals coming after the break so far, and 10 of their last 11.
In the grand scheme of things, Liverpool will accept a point from a difficult away fixture such as this. As Klopp reasoned afterwards, "It's not possible to come here and dominate Arsenal like we want. A point will always be a success at Arsenal."
Indeed, and that’s five points from visits to Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal now – a significant improvement on last season’s results, and achieved when still some way short of their best.
The Liverpool manager had been clear in his belief that this game would test his side’s credentials. Arsenal look an emerging force under Emery, whose clearly-defined way of playing is starting to bear fruit.
The Gunners contributed plenty to an absorbing contest, though in truth both sides failed to hit top form.
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