Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners show fighting spirit against the Champions
Arsenal battled back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against newly crowned champions Liverpool in a thrilling Premier League encounter at Anfield. Early dominance from the home side was followed by a resilient Arsenal comeback, and then a red card late in the game.
Liverpool wasted no time asserting their dominance in the early stages, netting twice in quick succession. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, heading in Andy Robertson’s cross after a swift throw-in caught Arsenal’s defence off guard. Just a minute later, Dominik Szoboszlai set up Luis Diaz to tap into an empty net, doubling the lead and electrifying the home crowd.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal regrouped after the break. Gabriel Martinelli reignited the contest in the 47th minute by heading home a Leandro Trossard cross. The momentum shifted, and Mikel Merino capitalised on a rebound from Martin Odegaard’s shot, levelling the score.
However, Merino’s evening took a turn for the worse when he received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle, leaving Arsenal with ten men for the final ten minutes.
Liverpool thought they had clinched victory in stoppage time when Robertson found the net after David Raya parried Virgil van Dijk’s header. However, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up. The match also saw Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Anfield for the first time since announcing his departure, duly receiving a mixed reception from the fans.
The draw leaves Liverpool 15 points clear at the top, having already secured the title. Arsenal remain in second place, Champions League qualification – which seemed to waver just last week – surely now guaranteed.
