Bukayo Saka was one of the players in question before the match, with Arsenal’s manager expressing uncertainty about his availability. However, both Saka and Jurrien Timber ended up starting, suggesting the team had sufficient quality, aside from Martin Ødegaard’s ongoing injury and William Saliba’s suspension.
Theo Walcott echoed van Dijk’s sentiments, stating on Sky Sports that Arsenal wasn’t missing many key players. He also noted that it was a missed opportunity for Liverpool to demonstrate their capabilities, criticizing their lack of intensity when they had Arsenal under pressure.
Conversely, Liverpool had significant absences, including their first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, which may not have received much attention before the match.
With key players like van Dijk and Mo Salah looking to make a statement to the club’s management, both stepped up in this crucial match—van Dijk scoring from a corner and Salah contributing to the draw. This performance adds pressure on Liverpool’s management to negotiate with their players whose contracts are expiring, especially considering the potential impact on the title race for the 2024/25 season.
