Arsenal looked to have lost all hope in securing their first Premier League title since 2004 following the devastating news of the injury to Kai Havertz.
Mikel Arteta would then have been watching on as Mohamed Salah looked to be sending Liverpool nine points clear at the top of the Premier League – a lead that would have left a mere impossible task for Arsenal to overcome.
However, Arteta’s former mentor David Moyes had one last trick up his sleeve as he sent forward centre back James Tarkowski to rifle a 97th minute volley into the top corner and send Goodison Park into raptures.
A ripple of applause could be heard around the Emirates Stadium too and the drama of the Merseyside Derby has brought back haunting memories for an Arsene Wenger side but could give the current Gunners crop some hope in their pursuit of glory.
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Liverpool draw mirrors historic Arsenal collapse at Birmingham City in 2008
Arsenal went into the game against Birmingham in February 2008 with a significant lead at the top of the Premier League table. A horrific injury to Eduardo Da Silva overshadowed the game that the Gunners lead 2-1 going into stoppage time.
A brace from Theo Walcott looked set to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the league however, a mistake from Gael Clichy in the 95th minute allowed Birmingham to equalise from the penalty spot.
Skipper William Gallas refused to leave the pitch at the end of the game in an emotional outburst and the game sparked a run of five games without a win to ultimately cost Wenger’s side the title. They finished the season just four points behind winners Manchester United.
There were lots of eerie similarities in Liverpool’s draw with Everton, a last minute deflating equaliser, Curtis Jones lost his temper after the game and was subsequently red carded and Arsenal fans reacted to Arne Slot’s red card.
Liverpool’s late collapse could spark a similar run to that of Arsenal in 2008 and with some tricky fixtures at Aston Villa and Man City to come, Arteta’s Arsenal need to make sure they are ready to capitalise.
Arsenal should involve Nathan Butler-Oyedeji against Leicester City
Given the current injury crisis at Arsenal, Arteta is left with just Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling as the only realistic options to play the central striker role with Ethan Nwaneri also available in a wider role.
The Gunners boss could deploy a ‘false nine’ system for the clash with Leicester City but should involve youngster Nathan Butler-Oyedeji at some point in the match.
The Arsenal U21 striker may be needed in the coming weeks and Arsenal should create chances against a weak Leicester defence, what better way for the youngster to gain some confidence in the first team set up.
Arsenal will be relying on goal scoring contributions all over the place in the next month but know that if they can keep grinding out results, the pressure will start to build on Arne Slot’s leaders.
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