'They played like...': Ian Wright slams Arsenal with instant reaction after their draw with Liverpool

The Gunners went into the game looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Bournemouth and close the gap on current leaders Manchester City following their narrow home win against struggling Southampton just 24 hours earlier. Mikel Arteta’s men were handed the perfect start to the contest when winger Bukayo Saka marked his return to the side with a stunning turn and finish before taking the acclaim of the Emirates Stadium faithful. The lead lasted just eight minutes as Reds captain Virgil van Dijk got his side back on level-terms with a close-range finish - but Arsenal took a narrow lead into half-time as former Newcastle United and Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino headed home his first goal for the club.

There was a major injury blow for Arsenal when key defender Gabriel hobbled out of the action to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior nine minutes into the second-half - and that seemed to hand a boost to Liverpool as Arne Slot’s side began to get on the front foot. An equaliser arrived with just under ten minutes remaining as Mo Salah made the most of impressive buildup play from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez - and his side held on for a draw despite Gunners forward Kai Havertz seeing a late ‘goal’ disallowed for a foul earlier in the play.

Speaking in his role as co-commentator on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, former England full-back Neville said: “Both managers will be happy at the end of the game, shaking hands, with a draw. The Arsenal fans boo, that’s maybe more towards the officials and there’s a little arguing and complaining going on - but generally I think the Arsenal fans will be delighted with their players. They’ve had a difficult week and challenging times during this game with injuries. Liverpool are in a really good moment and I think 2-2 is a fair and right result.”

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Neville’s former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane also felt both sides deserved a point apiece after a hard-fought contest that he believed was ‘lacking in quality’.

He said: “I found it a bit of a disappointing game, really lacking in quality. Arsenal going 2-1 up, you’d think they’d go on and try and win the game. Listen, Liverpool, I thought they lacked intensity but they probably just deserved to get this draw in the end and to me, not a great game and and draw is just about a fair result.”

Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday night when they visit Championship club Preston North End in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup before turning their attention to a trip to Premier League rivals Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime