Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lamented the lack of ruthlessness displayed by his team as they let a two-goal advantage slip in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, which ultimately opened up the race for the Premier League crown.

The reigning champions currently hold the title's fate in their own hands despite Arteta's team-leading Manchester City by six points at the league's top.

Later this month, City will meet the Gunners at the Etihad after holding a game in hand.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored goals for Arsenal, who looked to be cruising to their ninth straight league victory.

Before halftime, though, Mohamed Salah scored to give Liverpool hope for a comeback.

Before Roberto Firmino scored the equalizer three minutes from time, Salah missed a second-half penalty.


Then, as Aaron Ramsdale saved a point for Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp's team wasted several opportunities to complete the comeback.

We didn't have the cruelty to win the game, Arteta claimed. The main takeaway is that we could have played better in the first half.

"We abandoned the game. We let the best team in the world have easy access to vast spaces and transition situations by giving away every ball.

The game will also be remembered for a spectacular incident that occurred right after halftime when Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson was elbowed in the face by assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.

Despite having a flawless start, Arsenal has yet to defeat Liverpool in the league on the road since 2012. It represents one of the biggest obstacles standing in their way of winning the championship.


Bukayo Saka burst through the Liverpool defence, and the ball broke for Martinelli to nudge past Alisson Becker, giving the visitors the lead after just eight minutes.

The decline of Liverpool from the club that nearly won an unprecedented quadruple last season to mid-table mediocrity has been significantly aided by Virgil van Dijk's recent form drop.

When Jesus was left unattended to head in Martinelli's cross after 28 minutes, the Dutch centre-back was caught off guard, and Arsenal increased their lead.