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EPL PHOTOS: Skrtel rescues dramatic point against Arsenal; Sunderland win derby

December 22, 2014 00:09 IST

Martin Skrtel, right, of Liverpool celebrates scoring his goal with Jordan Henderson. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

A stoppage time goal by a heavily-bandaged Martin Skrtel spared Liverpool another deflating defeat as they drew 2-2 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

EPL: Johnson strikes late to earn Sunderland derby win

Inferior for most of the match, Arsenal had led with goals from French duo Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud after Philippe Coutinho had put the hosts deservedly ahead.

Martin Skrtel of Liverpool receives treatment for a head wound. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

However, Skrtel, who required six minutes of treatment on a head wound, thundered in a late header from Steven Gerrard's corner to deny Arsenal.

Despite failing to secure all three points, Arsenal moved back into sixth spot with 27 points from 17 games, four behind fourth-placed West Ham United.

Liverpool, languishing in mid-table, lost 3-0 at Manchester United the previous weekend when they created chances at will.

It was a similar story against Arsenal as they completely dominated the opening half with some attractive passing.

When Coutinho finally punished a sloppy Arsenal after 45 minutes it was the least they deserved.

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates scoring his goal with Danny Welbeck. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

But the defensive gremlins that have also undermined Liverpool's season returned immediately as Debuchy headed an unlikely equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

Giroud struck what looked like being the winner after a slick Arsenal counter-attack.

Fabio Borini of Liverpool is shown the red card by referee Michael Oliver. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Liverpool had substitute Fabio Borini sent off shortly after coming on and their cause looked lost until Skrtel's late intervention earned them a point to move them above Merseyside rivals Everton into 10th place.

Sunderland goalscorer Adam Johnson celebrates after the Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle Unite. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

While Arsenal have now lost just once in their last seven meetings with Liverpool, Sunderland have won four in a row against north east rivals Newcastle United after Adam Johnson's late goal earned them a 1-0 win in the day's other fixture.

A riveting Tyne-Wear derby at St James Park featured more than 30 attempts on goal but Johnson's was the only one to find the net a minute from time to give Sunderland only their third win of the season and lift them away from danger.

Source: REUTERS
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