Arsenal came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield, stretching their unbeaten run in league meetings between the sides to six matches.
Before kick-off, Arsenal had to honour Liverpool’s title by forming a guard of honour, with Virgil van Dijk leading the Reds out for his 300th Premier League appearance. Still feeling the effects of their Champions League exit to PSG earlier in the week, the Gunners started slowly.
Liverpool took full advantage. Luis Díaz forced a great early save from David Raya, and soon after, Cody Gakpo headed in at the near post from Andrew Robertson’s cross to give the hosts the lead. Just two minutes later, Díaz made it 2-0 after slick play between Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah. Liverpool nearly added a third before the break, but Raya denied Curtis Jones.
Arsenal came out strongly after half-time and quickly pulled one back. Gabriel Martinelli met Leandro Trossard’s cross with a neat header to make it 2-1. Sensing a shift, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made three changes, bringing on Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold – the latter receiving a mixed reaction from the crowd following news of his future move to Real Madrid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2Ulfv9xaFk
However, Arsenal kept pushing. Martin Ødegaard’s powerful strike hit the post, and Mikel Merino reacted quickest, heading in the rebound to level the score at 2-2.
Merino’s joy didn’t last long. He was sent off for a second yellow card after a clumsy tackle on Szoboszlai, leaving Arsenal with ten men for the closing minutes. Liverpool thought they had won it in stoppage time when Robertson scored, but the goal was ruled out.
In the end, the draw gives Arsenal a valuable point and puts them very close to securing a Champions League spot.
