Ramsdale lauds Arsenal point at Liverpool despite Gunners squandering two-goal lead

Aaron Ramsdale insisted Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool may eventually be considered a “very good point” despite the Gunners relinquishing a two-goal lead at Anfield.

Liverpool fought back through goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to earn a share of the spoils after Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus fired Arsenal into a 2-0 lead on Sunday.

The result left Arsenal six points clear at the Premier League summit, ahead of second-placed Manchester City who have a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta’s side may count themselves fortunate to escape with a point. Ramsdale was required to make two brilliant late stops, repelling a deflected Salah effort before preventing Ibrahima Konate from bundling over a gilt-edged opportunity, as Liverpool threatened a last-minute winner.

The England goalkeeper said once the dust has settled on an enthralling fixture, Arsenal will reflect on the draw as a point earned rather than two dropped.

“Mixed emotions, but over the next few days I think it will be a very good point,” Ramsdale told Sky Sports.

“We’ve been under pressure for 35 minutes and get the point away at Anfield. They’re a top side. It might be two points dropped, but we could have dropped three.

“I thought we were excellent. For 50, 60 minutes we were very good, but we got unlocked by two goals.

“Now we have to go back in and build again. One point is a lot better than none.

“The manager will say that [to focus on the good aspects]. He’s hugely positive. We’ll digest it in the next few days.”

Sum up that @AaronRamsdale98 performance in a word pic.twitter.com/YrnZUBFoHR

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 9, 2023

Asked about his individual exploits, Ramsdale was delighted to make a difference, adding: “There’s no better game to play in than these games. At least my saves have helped us out.”

While Ramsdale remained modest about his impressive performance, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard thanked the goalkeeper for saving Arteta’s side.

The Norway international told BBC Sport: “It was a crazy game. We started really well. The first 40 minutes before they scored, we controlled the game.

“After their goal the game changed a bit, and we didn’t manage to keep the ball. They created a lot of chances.

“Aaron [Ramsdale] was very good back there and saved us. Frustrated not to win, but we have to take the point and move on.

“Against this team you need to be very good on the ball. If you give away the ball they will run at you and the fans create momentum.”