Arsene Wenger furious as Arsenal throw away lead to Liverpool with late Joe Allen strike

ARSENE WENGER admitted his frustration as Arsenal’s title hopes were checked after Liverpool substitute Joe Allen scrambled a late equaliser in a thrilling draw at Anfield.

 

Joe Allen broke Arsenal hearts with a last-gasp finish

 

Arsenal’s advantage at the summit the table was reduced to goal difference ahead of Leicester by Allen’s 90th minute strike.

The visitors had twice come from behind before Olivier Giroud’s second goal in the 55th minute gave them the lead only for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to secure a point.

The draw meant that Leicester moved level with the Gunners at the top. Claudio Ranieri’s side maintained their amazing season by snatching a brilliant 1-0 win at Spurs as Robert Huth scored their first goal in the Premier League goal in over six hours.

 

“I am frustrated by the result and not disappointed by the performance,” said Wenger. 

“The frustration comes from the fact that at 3-2 we had three situations where we should have made 4-2 and made bad decisions. 

“The frustration then comes from conceding a goal in the last minute. We have shown again great character to come back with a point. 

“It shows everywhere is very even.”

 

Allen struck to make it 3-3 in the final minute of normal time

 

Brazilian Roberto Firmino had twice given Liverpool the lead with eye-catching goals, but it was Allen’s late introduction which saved the day after he latched onto a knock down from fellow substitute Christian Benteke.

“It was nice to come on and have an influence on the game,” said Allen. “That’s a testament to the characters we’ve got in the dressing room and the attitude of going to the final whistle.

“We had some setbacks in the game. To be ahead and concede some disappointing goals was a shame but we kept at it and thankfully came away with something.

“They came here in great form. They have been strong, everyone knows the threat they pose and we had to deal with that. It was a good performance I think. End to end at times and I’m sure it was exciting for everyone to watch.”

 

Roberto Firmino scored twice as Liverpool took the early iniative

 

Giroud added: “It is disappointing because we were 3-2 up. It was a nice game for the fans because there were a lot of intensity and chances to score.

“When you concede three goals in an away game it is hard to win. My first feeling is disappointment but we have shown some character to come back from 1-0 and 2-1 down.

“Hopefully, we are not going to have to regret this goal at the end of the championship. It is still a draw, they’ve done well at the end of the game and pushed a lot.

“It’s a good performance but we could have done better.”

Liverpool manager Klopp said: “In the end we made a really good game. We did it and I think we deserved it in a spectacular game.”

"We were guilty of bad decisions!" Wenger is disappointed @Arsenal did not see the game out when 3-2 up. #LIVARS https://t.co/YLbo1cVDol

— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) January 13, 2016

"You cannot ignore a few things were not good!" Klopp remains realistic despite @LFC's late equaliser. #LIVARS https://t.co/dagpgf3qKG

— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) January 13, 2016