GLOVES ARE OFF!

Brilliant Ramsdale saves Gunners in a fiery contest... and Arteta knows the dogfight for the title starts now

- JOHN CROSS

IT was never going to be easy but this could prove to be a big result in the title race.

From 2-0 up and a potentially season-defining win, Arsenal let their lead slip and some seeds of doubt may just have been sewn.

Mikel Arteta's men are six points ahead of Manchester City albeit having played a game more but to fight so hard, go so close and then succumb so late will be a bitter pill to swallow.

A draw at Anfield, no matter Liverpool's inconsistencies, is never a bad result. But in the context of this title race and after being 2-0 ahead, it will have given City hope.

Arsenal's players slumped to the ground in despair after Roberto Firmino’s 87thminute equaliser in front of the Kop. You can bet City will rarely have been so happy to see a Liverpool goal.

Had it not been for Aaron Ramsdale's wonder save from Mo Salah deep in added time, then an incredible last-gasp goalline block on Ibrahima Konate, it could have been even worse for the Gunners.

It was a terrific game, full of drama, anger and controversy but Arsenal have a habit of pressing the self-destruct button at Anfield.