Liverpool’s match with Arsenal on Sunday featured the best and the most bizarre inside the 90+ minutes we were allowed at Anfield.
The top-four chasing Reds and the league-leading Arsenal played out a pulsating 2-2 draw, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus sending the Gunners two goals up before the break before goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmimo sealed a memorable draw.
But before the late equaliser by substitute Firmino, Liverpool had the chance to equalise much earlier from the penalty spot after Rob Holding had fouled Diogo Jota in the box. However, Salah sent his spot kick wide when presented with the chance to beat Ramsdale from the spot.
The Egyptian, ever reliable from the spot for Liverpool, has endured a torrid time recently. He missed the chance to draw Liverpool level in their game against Bournemouth just before the international break and did the same in their last outing.
But there was a twist to it this time, and it involved Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.
After Liverpool had been awarded the slot kick on Sunday, the German couldn’t bear to watch Salah take the penalty, he chose instead to face the crowd in nervous anticipation.
The German then turned round in celebration after Salah had taken the kick, only to realise the Egyptian had missed. An exasperated Klopp then held his hands out as he questioned what had gone wrong and looked for answers to see how Salah had failed to score.
Fortunately for Salah and Klopp, the miss wasn’t ultimately fatal as Roberto Firmimo emerged from the bench to give them a point in the game. However, Liverpool will feel that had Salah equalised earlier; they would have had the chance to win the game.
New penalty taker for Liverpool?
Meanwhile, it might be the best time for Liverpool to consider taking Salah off penalty kick duties. The Reds have won just two league penalties in over a year and have seen both missed by the Egyptian.
Their squad has great spot-kick specialists, with James Milner and Fabinho two notable names. Cody Gakpo will also be desperate to take over spot-kick duties to help his goal tally.
In the end, the decision lies with Klopp.
But what do you think? Should Salah continue as Liverpool’s chief penalty taker?
