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Liverpool can take encouragement from familiar Arsenal vulnerability despite late win

Arsenal stole a late win over Leicester City
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Liverpool was denied a second Premier League title boost of the day after Arsenal's late win against Leicester.

The Reds had already seen fellow title rival Manchester City drop points away to Newcastle United after Pep Guardiola's team were held to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's early kick-off, so their hopes were up once more after the Gunners surrendered a two-goal lead.

Mikel Arteta's side were in cruise control by half-time of their Emirates Stadium encounter with the Foxes following first-half strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, yet completely fell apart after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second-half, Leicester defender James Justin halved the deficit for the visitors, before the 26-year-old produced a fine finish to draw his side level 16 minutes later.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, and even Man City, Arsenal redeemed itself with two goals in stoppage time to claim all three points - and climb above the Reds in the standings.

But Arne Slot and co. can take encouragement from Arsenal's inability to hold onto a lead, having already dropped points from winning positions against Man City and Brighton so far this season.

Leicester defender James Justin scored twice as Arsenal showed its vulnerability by surrendering a two-goal lead
Leicester defender James Justin scored twice as Arsenal showed its vulnerability by surrendering a two-goal lead

Last week, John Stones scored a dramatic injury-time equalizer to level the scores for Guardiola's outfit at the Etihad Stadium, while Brighton also came from behind to earn a point prior to the international break.

Liverpool doesn't face the Gunners until the end of October but it's already been shown how the north London outfit are prone to conceding goals and surrendering leads even if they're in control of the game.

Arsenal's late victory today means it leapfrogs Liverpool into second place and goes level on points with Man City - although the Reds can climb above both sides with all three points against Wolves.

It means Liverpool can open up a one-point gap on its title rivals with another victory and if Slot's men needed any extra boost ahead of kick-off, then they certainly have it now.

Arsenal were close to dropping two more points for the third time already this season
Arsenal were close to dropping two more points for the third time already this season

But the Reds will have to take on Wolves without the inclusion of striker Darwin Nunez, who is not in the matchday squad due to illness. The Uruguayan had started the last two games against Bournemouth and West Ham but has not traveled with the squad to Molineux.

Arne Slot has, however, made wholesale changes from the Carabao Cup win over West Ham United midweek, as expected, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk coming back into the side from the start. Luis Diaz has also returned to the side, while former Wolves striker Diogo Jota retains his place.

In midfield, the usual trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are restored, with Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Van Dijk in defense. Alisson has returned in goal following two games out.