Arsenal fought back from a two-goal deficit and held on to secure a 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool after going down to 10 men on Sunday, May 11. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino secured the point for Mikel Arteta’s men but were forced to hold on in the end as they lost Merino to a red-card.
Arsenal, as they had promised, gave Liverpool a guard of honour after the Reds secured the Premier League title last month. But throughout the game, the Gunners showed why they were the team to give Liverpool a run for their money in the title race.\
It was the hosts who dominated in the first half, but Arsenal had a chance in the 4th minute when Bukayo Saka went wide. Four minutes later, David Raya was called in to making a sensational save as Luis Diaz’ attempt was thwarted. However, Liverpool would take the lead in the 20th minute as Cody Gakpo scored a fine header after the Arsenal defence switched off from a throw in. A minute later, Diaz made it 2-0 following a sweeping run.
Also Read: Manchester United, Tottenham’s Premier League woes continue ahead of Europa final
Arsenal looked deflated as the first half was coming to a close but were reinvigorated after the break. Once the game resumed, Arsenal were the first to strike as Martinelli headed home from a Trossard cross. Slot seemed to be unhappy in the touchline as the Gunners took control of things. Ibrahim Konate was required to clear a shot from Saka off the line in the 65th minute, albeit the England forward being offside.
But five minutes later, Merino was on hand to level the scores. Martin Odegaard’s long-range shot was diverted onto the crossbar by Alisson, but the Spaniard was present to head the ball home to step up a grand finish for the game.
Merino was sent off nine minutes later after lunging tackle on Dominik Szoboszlai but the visitors held on and even had a chance to win the game late on but Odegaard’s shot went just wide. Liverpool have 83 points from 36 games with Arsenal in second with 68. However, the Gunners are yet to secure their spot in the top 5 which is needed for Champions League qualification with Manchester City, Newcastle United and Chelsea right behind them.
Tune In