In the early morning of the 10th, the focus of the English Premier League battle, leading the list of Arsenal in the case of a two-goal lead, away from home and Liverpool into a 2-2 draw, this draw to Arsenal for the road to the title has brought a huge impact. The refereeing decisions of the match have once again sparked controversy, with video footage showing a referee driving an elbow into the head of Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson during the half-time break, and the Professional Referees' Company of Great Britain (PGMOL) has made it clear that it will be investigating the rare incident, with the referee involved potentially facing a lengthy suspension.
Arsenal were full of confidence and took the initiative soon after the start, Gabriel Martinelli broke through the middle and scored with a shot in the 8th minute, the Brazilian winger converted the assist in the 28th minute with a cross from the left which Gabriel Jesse headed home to make it 2-0.Liverpool then woke up as if they were in a dream situation and stepped up their attack, gradually regaining control of the field, and Mohamed Salah pulled a goal back with a shot from close range three minutes before half time. Salah equalized with a shot at the near post.
In the second half, the game was full of excitement as Liverpool had a penalty kick opportunity in the 54th minute, but Mohamed Salah missed the chance when his shot hit the post. It wasn't until the 87th minute that Alexander-Arnold broke through from the bottom of the right hand side and crossed for Roberto Firmino to head home at the near post to bring the score to 2-2. Liverpool had another great chance in stoppage time but it was saved by consecutive heroic saves from Lance Dahl to end the game in a 2-2 draw.
The draw was a loss for both sides, with Arsenal missing out on two crucial points in the title race and Liverpool's gap to fourth place widening to 12 points. After the game, the spotlight turned to referee Hesdakis, who reportedly raised his right elbow to strike Andrew Robertson on the jaw after Andrew Robertson complained to Hesdakis during the closing stages of the half, referee Paolo Triani then showed Andrew Robertson a yellow card.
The violent incident was captured by Sky Sports and sparked a huge backlash, with former England international Thornton stating, "I don't know what the referee was thinking, but he has to be suspended, I've never seen anything like it." Former Premier League referee Heath also said, "If it is proved that the referee deliberately drove his elbow, I think he should receive the same punishment as Alexander Mizunwick (who shoved the referee) (an eight-match suspension)." Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wouldn't say much after the game, "I've heard about it but I didn't see it, if it's true, the video will say it all." PGMOL released a statement after the match saying they had been informed of the clash and would be investigating.
