Arsenal may be striving for Premier League glory this season, but their recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium signals both promise and concern. Mikel Arteta’s squad showed resilience, yet with crucial points dropped and an escalating injury crisis, there’s a genuine sense that the Gunners’ title ambitions could be slipping as they face an ominous five-point gap behind league leaders Manchester City.

Signs of Arsenal’s Strength – and Vulnerability

Arsenal’s performance against Liverpool was filled with determination, even as they contended with significant defensive absences. Arteta’s men fought valiantly to hold onto their slender lead after Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino’s goals put them ahead. Yet, it was Liverpool’s counterattack, ending in a late equaliser from Mohamed Salah, that ultimately cost Arsenal the win.

Arteta himself expressed frustration with the result. “You don’t want to be in that position,” he admitted, referring to the gap opening up at the top of the table. “You want to be five points ahead, but it is where we are.” For Arsenal, this means they’ll need to close the gap soon, as City’s relentless consistency leaves little room for error in the title race.

Arsenal’s resolve was clear, particularly with an improvised backline that featured Thomas Partey, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Yet, there were moments of hesitation, particularly in the second half, that prevented them from converting their first-half dominance into a decisive lead. It was a match where Arsenal’s ambition and belief seemed to falter at times, conceding territory and control to a Liverpool side that, despite being subdued, found a way through.

Injuries Piling Up for Arsenal

Arsenal’s depth is now under intense scrutiny as the list of injured players continues to grow. Key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber were forced off in the second half, joining an already lengthy list that includes suspended William Saliba and injured Riccardo Calafiori. Arteta voiced mixed emotions after the match, acknowledging the team’s resilience while lamenting their costly errors.

“I’m very proud of the team, especially with the situation we are going through at the moment,” Arteta stated. “We have five injuries in the back line and it’s a situation we have to deal with. I’m very disappointed we have not won the game.” For Arteta, these injury woes create a dilemma, as Arsenal’s backline stability, critical to their success last season, is now under constant threat.

Gabriel’s situation, in particular, casts a shadow over Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures. He was seen applying ice to his knee after being substituted, a worrying sight for fans and the club. His partnership with Saliba has been pivotal, and Arsenal’s title bid will rely heavily on keeping their backline intact.

How Arsenal’s Draw Impacts the Premier League Race

While Arsenal’s ability to compete with the so-called “Big Six” remains impressive—having avoided defeat in their last 14 encounters with the league’s elite—the reality of City’s dominance is impossible to ignore. Arsenal finished narrowly behind City in both the 2022-23 and 2021-22 seasons, yet each time fell short as City’s trademark surges proved unstoppable.

City’s current five-point lead may appear modest at this stage of the season, yet their reputation for capitalising on any gap makes it significant. Arsenal, along with Liverpool, must hope that this season will offer more unpredictability, providing an opening to close the distance.

Arteta knows this well, and the team’s urgency was evident. But a lack of precision and missed opportunities allowed Liverpool to reclaim control in the second half, with Salah seizing on a rare defensive lapse. Salah’s equaliser, courtesy of a precise pass from Darwin Nunez, marked his eighth goal this season and put him level with Robbie Fowler on 163 Premier League goals for Liverpool. Arsenal’s defence, weakened by key absences, simply could not contain the Egyptian’s brilliance.

The Road Ahead: Can Arsenal’s Squad Depth Withstand the Pressure?

Arsenal’s current trajectory resembles the promise and pitfalls of recent seasons. Last year, Arteta’s squad benefitted from remarkable durability, with key players like Saliba, Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, and Saka missing only a handful of games. That consistency formed the foundation of their title charge, allowing them to sustain pressure on City until the closing weeks of the campaign.

But this season’s situation is already markedly different. New additions such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori are struggling with fitness, joining the sidelined Odegaard and Saka. Arteta’s ambitions for the season depend heavily on maintaining squad health, yet the number of injuries, especially in defence, threatens to derail Arsenal’s campaign.

Arteta captured the mixed emotions in his post-match comments, stating, “The team played so well, we were dominant and very determined. Really aggressive and played in the right areas to create some big chances.” However, he acknowledged a lapse in the transition that led to Liverpool’s equaliser, adding, “Against this Liverpool team, you cannot do that if you want to win the game.”

Arsenal’s Hopes and Challenges Moving Forward

The outcome at Emirates Stadium has wider implications beyond the two points lost. Arsenal’s title ambitions hinge on closing the gap with City, and each missed opportunity magnifies the challenge. In City, they are competing against a team with both the consistency and depth to punish any rival’s misstep. Arsenal now face a critical period in their campaign, where both points and player fitness will prove crucial.

For Arsenal fans, the disappointment of the draw is palpable, not only because of the result but also because of the toll it has taken on an already stretched squad. While the team’s unbeaten streak against the Big Six is commendable, the true test lies in sustaining this resilience across the season and, importantly, in keeping key players on the pitch.

As Arteta’s squad confronts this critical phase, the road to the Premier League title remains steep. Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool may only be one match in a long season, yet it serves as a stark reminder of the margins they contend with in this race. City’s advantage, while not insurmountable, is a warning signal, especially with Arsenal’s current injury crisis. It’s clear that if Arsenal are to remain in the race, they must find a way to keep their squad intact and maintain their consistency.