Football

Mohamed Salah's late equalizer salvaged a pulsating 2-2 draw for Liverpool against title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Egyptian star's goal came with just nine minutes remaining, preventing Arsenal from securing a crucial victory.Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka's early opener, but Virgil van Dijk equalized in the 18th minute. Mikel Merino restored Arsenal's lead before half-time, but Salah's eighth goal in 13 games this season ensured the Reds left north London with a point.The draw was a major setback for Arsenal's title hopes, as they now trail Manchester City by five points. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain one point behind City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.Arsenal's defensive woes were exposed once again, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off with injuries in the second half. The Gunners have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches.Liverpool showed impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender. They will be happier with the point after a disappointing performance in the first half.Saka gave Arsenal the perfect start with a stunning strike in the ninth minute. Liverpool nearly equalized immediately, but Salah's shot went just wide.The Reds did level the scores in the 18th minute when Van Dijk headed home from a corner. However, Arsenal regained the lead in the 43rd minute when Merino headed in a free-kick.Liverpool pressed for an equalizer in the second half, but Arsenal's defense held firm until the closing stages. With just nine minutes left, Alexander-Arnold's pass sent Nunez clear, and the Uruguayan slipped in Salah for the equalizer.Arsenal's defensive injuries proved costly, as they were unable to hold on for the victory. The Gunners will now face a tough task to get their title challenge back on track.

Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, setting the tone for a season filled with aspirations of dethroning Manchester City.Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, heading home a pinpoint cross from Bukayo Saka. The England winger then sealed the points after the interval with a thunderous strike, leaving Wolves with little chance.Arsenal's dominance was evident from the outset, with Ben White and Saka testing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa early on. The visitors showed little attacking intent, allowing Arsenal to control the tempo and create numerous chances.Havertz's goal was a testament to Arsenal's attacking prowess, with Saka's delivery finding the German forward in the perfect position. Wolves responded briefly, but Arsenal remained in control, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli coming close to extending their lead.After the break, Arsenal continued to press, with Havertz and Thomas Partey going close. Wolves had a brief spell of pressure, but Arsenal's defense held firm.Saka's goal was the icing on the cake, a fitting reward for his impressive performance. The winger has emerged as a key figure for Arsenal, and his contribution on Saturday underlined his importance to the team.Arsenal's victory was a statement of intent, sending a clear message to their rivals that they are determined to challenge for the title. Mikel Arteta's side has shown no signs of complacency after their near-miss last season, and their performance against Wolves suggests they are ready to take the next step.

England's resilience and character shone through as they overcame Switzerland in a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji's penalty, while England converted all five of their attempts to secure a 5-3 victory.Under coach Gareth Southgate, England have now won more knockout games in eight years than they had in over 50 years before. Breel Embolo's 75th-minute goal put England on the brink of elimination, but Bukayo Saka's stunning long-range strike in the 80th minute leveled the scores.In the penalty shootout, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored for England, while Fabian Schar, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Zeki Amdouni converted for Switzerland. Saka, who had missed a penalty in the final of Euro 2020, redeemed himself with a decisive spot-kick.Switzerland, known for their tendency to exit tournaments in the group stage, had been impressive in Germany, keeping a clean sheet against defending champions Italy in the last round. However, England's back three and strong defensive performance kept the Swiss at bay for much of the match.Despite the absence of suspended Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa impressed at left center-back, while Phil Foden played through the middle and Bellingham provided a strong presence on the left. Saka was a constant threat on the right, but Switzerland's pace and physicality kept England from creating clear-cut chances.In the second half, Switzerland began to assert themselves, with Xhaka moving up the pitch and finding Embolo with a raking ball. Embolo's goal in the 75th minute gave Switzerland the lead, but Saka's equalizer five minutes later kept England in the game.Extra time saw both teams create chances, but neither could find a winning goal. In the penalty shootout, Pickford's save on Akanji's penalty proved decisive, and England's perfect conversion rate sealed their victory.