EPL: Arsene Wenger 'frustrated' as Arsenal draw with Liverpool

Arsenal boss expresses disappointment after Premier League toppers let Liverpool score stoppage-time equaliser in 3-3 thriller at Anfield

Liverpool: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the frustration of dropping two points at Liverpool to an added-time equaliser will only provide extra motivation in their pursuit of the title.

Fab firmino: Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (centre) shoots scores against Arsenal in an EPL tie in Liverpool on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

Leading 3-2 after two goals from Olivier Giroud and one from Aaron Ramsey had seen the Gunners twice come from behind after a brace from Roberto Firmino, they were hit with a late sucker punch from substitute Joe Allen. The Welsh midfielder volleyed home in front of the Kop at a wintry Anfield to deny leaders Arsenal a victory.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Man City, Chelsea held
With Manchester City being held to a goalless draw at home to Everton, Arsenal missed the chance to open up a five-point gap over their third-placed rivals — Leicester’s 1-0 win at Tottenham ensured they stayed level with the leaders. Chelsea  were held 2-2 by West Brom thanks to James McClean’s late equaliser.

“I am frustrated by the result and not disappointed by the performance,” said Wenger, who confirmed they have finally concluded the transfer of Basle midfielder Mohamed Elneny and he could be in contention to face Stoke at the weekend. “We started a bit apprehensive in the first 20 minutes, a bit on the back foot and went 1-0 down, came back convincingly, went 2-1 down, showed character again, made it 2-2 and then 3-2.

“The frustration comes from the fact that at 3-2 we had three situations, where we should have made it 4-2 and made bad decisions. The frustration then comes from conceding a goal in the last minute. We have shown again great character to come back with a point. We have to transform the frustration in the dressing room into even more motivation.”

On Elneny, Wenger said briefly: “He has joined us and we will see if he can qualify for Sunday.”

Belief was something Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was pleased to see from his side after conceding two soft goals. “It was a great game, but ultimately we won’t talk about this game too long because Sunday is Manchester United.”

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