ISTANBUL

Arsenal and Liverpool played to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling Premier League matchup on Sunday, with late drama keeping Liverpool in second place.

Arsenal broke the deadlock with a close-range finish from Bukayo Saka in the ninth minute but Liverpool leveled the game with a header from Virgil van Dijk in the 18th minute at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners took the lead again when Mikel Merino scored a header in the penalty box in the 43rd minute.

Mohamed Salah scored from close range during a counterattack in the 81st minute. The game ended in a 2-2 draw in London.

Liverpool are second with 22 points ahead of third-place Arsenal, which collected 18 points.

Manchester City are top of the standings with 23 points on Matchday 9.