Ex-Liverpool and Man City stars make ‘in the balance’ Premier League title claim after Arsenal draw at Anfield

Micah Richards hailed Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after he made two stunning saves to help his side claim what could be a precious point at Liverpool.

The Gunners looked well on their way to securing a rare win at Anfield as Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus both scored two give their side a commanding lead as half-time approached. Mo Salah halved the deficit for the hosts just before the interval and it was Jurgen Klopp’s men that had the better of the exchanges throughout the second-half.

The pressure paid off when Roberto Firmino headed home at the Kop End with three minutes remaining and only two fine stops from Ramsdale prevented Liverpool from completing the turnaround and taking all three points. Speaking after the game, former Manchester City star Richards praised the goalkeeper and revealed his belief the title is still up for grabs because of his late heroics.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s going to the wire. A lot of people are saying if Arsenal didn’t win today then City are going to win it.

“But there are so many games left, but Arsenal in that first-half and what they produced, you don’t want to bet against them. They’ve got a different mentality now, they are seeing out games. If we are talking about Arsenal of old, they might have lost today but they hung on. Ramsdale today, some vital saves, and the Arsenal City game is going to be massive.”

Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher agreed over the current status of the title race and insisted there was little between the top two as the season heads towards a thrilling climax.

“If Arsenal won, I think most people would have said they’re in a great position to go on and win the title. If they had lost, City, it’s in their hands and they’re big favourites. It’s almost in the balance now.”