Roy Keane says Arsenal should be ‘delighted’ with Liverpool draw due to Anfield effect

Roy Keane talks on Anfield following Liverpool’s Premier League draw with Arsenal

Liverpool stood frustrated after a hard-fought draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Despite going two goals down early on, the Reds showed great character to fight back and salvage a point, thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Speaking after the game, former Manchester United midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane admitted that there is something ‘bizarre’ about playing at Anfield, and believes Arsenal should be grateful for the point they picked up against Liverpool.

The draw means that Arsenal remain winless in their last 10 visits to Anfield in the Premier League, and have only managed to pick up three draws and suffered seven losses, conceding at least twice in each match.

Despite their poor record at Anfield, Arsenal started the game brightly and raced into a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. However, Liverpool refused to give up and fought back to secure a point.

The introduction of Thiago Alcantara at half-time seemed to spark the Reds into life. Having said that, here is what Keane had to say about Anfield’s importance in Liverpool’s draw over Arsenal, especially after Granit Xhaka provoked Trent Alexander-Arnold which seemed to instil life into the crowd: (h/t ECHO)

“I don’t like saying it too much obviously having played for United but there is something bizarre, particularly when you’re defending and the last 15-20 minutes you’re hanging in there, Liverpool are playing into the Kop, it is extremely difficult, let me tell you.”

“The energy that’s in the stadium, obviously the history of the club, it is very, very difficult. That’s why I think Arsenal should be really delighted with a point, I really do.”

Fortress Anfield

Despite dropping points, Liverpool remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, and Klopp will be hoping that his side can build on their performance against Arsenal in the coming weeks. The draw against Arsenal also highlighted the importance of Anfield to Liverpool’s success.

Salah scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season to pull one back for Liverpool before Firmino equalised in the second half. Despite having loads of chances to win the game towards the end of the game, Liverpool were unable to find a winner and had to settle for a point.

The stadium has been a fortress for the Reds over the years and has played a huge role in their recent success. Liverpool will be hoping to continue their strong home form for the rest of the season and will be looking to make Anfield a difficult place for opposing teams to visit.

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Liverpool will be hoping to continue their strong home form for the rest of the season and carry the momentum outside of Merseyside as well, as they look to secure a top-four finish and qualify for next season’s Champions League.