Emre Can and Jürgen Klopp enjoyed a Premier League spectacle at Anfield stadium on Wednesday night, drawing 3-3 with Arsenal. The reds twice took the lead against the Premier League leaders, who had Mesut Özil and Per Mertesacker in their team from the beginning. It took a last minute strike from late substitute Joe Allen to rescue a point in front of the Kop.
Next up for Liverpool are Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Manchester United on Sunday, as they hope to take another step towards confirming a European place for next season. Arsenal on the other hand successfully defended first position in the table, but are only ahead of Leicester on goal difference after they grabbed a late win against Tottenham. Manchester City occupy third position, after they could only manage a 0-0 draw against Everton.
Firmino and Giroud grab braces
More than 45,000 spectators in Liverpool witnessed a first half packed full of action – not least thanks to the world class Roberto Firmino. The ex Hoffenheim attacker scored his first goal after just ten minutes, smashing in the rebound after Petr Cech had saved Emre Can’s initial shot. Aaron Ramsey equalised for the away side four minutes later after excellent play from winger Joel Campbell. The game didn’t settle down, and five minutes later Firmino curled a brilliant shot past Cech into the top corner from 20 yards out, and Anfield was rocking.
Klopp’s joy lasted only six minutes. Frenchman Olivier Giroud, who has been in top form this season, displayed great strength to tap in Ramsey’s corner at the near post, making it 2-2. In the second half, Giroud scored again, evading Kolo Touré with an excellent turn in the box, before smashing past Mignolet. The drama was far from over, and Liverpool increased the pressure on Arsenal as the clock ticked down. In the final minute of the match, Welsh midfielder Joe Allen was able to level the scores, finishing well past Cech bottom corner. Özil impressed for long periods of the game, and was substituted in the 87th minute by manger Arsène Wenger.
Fuchs corner, Huth header: Leicester still in the hunt
Former Germany international Robert Huth was the hero for Leicester, after he powered a header into Hugo Lloris‘ goal in the 83rd minute to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory for the home side.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was in action on Tuesday, but could only manage a 3-3 draw away at Newcastle. United now find themselves in sixth position with 34 points, two points off fourth place. West Ham United are in fifth, after they beat Bournemouth 3-1.
Copa del Rey: Ter Stegen clean sheet
Marc-André ter Stegen and Barcelona are in the quarterfinal of the Copa del Rey. The Germany international kept a clean sheet in the second leg of their tie with Espanyol Barcelona, and his team won 2-0. The first leg ended 4-1 to Barca at the Nou Camp.
Trapp and PSG into the cup semi-final
Paris St. Germain win again. On Wednesday evening, the French champions booked their place in the semi-final of the Coupe de la Ligue with a 2-1 win over Olympique Lyon. PSG were without Kevin Trapp, but goals from Adrien Rabiot and Lucas ensured the win for the hosts. The remaining teams include FC Toulouse, OSC Lille and Girondins Bordeaux.
