Happy? I think?

Anytime you take something at Anfield, it’s a good result. This season is no different. I said I’d be happy with a point before a ball was kicked and that’s what we got so I’m happy. I think. Taking four points off Liverpool in one season isn’t something we’ve done in a very long time so I can’t complain but against a near perfect Man City team who look like they’re going to win every game for the rest of this season that might not be enough. Only time will tell.

Looking at the match in isolated periods; watching the first thirty minutes it feels like two points dropped but watching the last 50 it very much feels like one gained. Factor in the fact that one of the best players on the planet missed a penalty and Ramsdale pulled off a string of next level saves and then the fact we had two very good chances to win it. I think a point is about even.

For the opening thirty minutes we were absolutely purring and it was the Arsenal we’ve grown to love this season. However as Liverpool edged back into the game I felt we needed to get in at the half without conceding but we couldn’t quite manage it. For virtually the whole of the second half we were up against a buoyed team. Eventually that pressure told and when Firmino (who just can’t fucking miss against!) us levelled the tie I feared the worst.

What followed were three of the most chaotic minutes of football you’ll see all season. Aaron Ramsdale pulled off two world class saves from efforts that were goal bound. Gabriel headed straight at Allison from 6 yards out and then came THE moment. Breaking from one of those saves, Martinelli found himself on the wing with Saka bursting forward across the field. But he overhit his pass in a moment that will surely give him nightmares. That was all she wrote.

So am I happy. Overall yes I am. But its very much advantage Man City in the title race and by the time we travel to London’s East End on Sunday they could have already leapfrogged us. Another huge weekend awaits and we need to show the resolve we’ve demonstrated in abundance this season and bounce back with a win. I’ll see you in Stratford.

COYG!

-Joe