Mikel Merino scored and was later sent off as Arsenal came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Premier League champions Liverpool in an exciting match at Anfield.
Liverpool, who had already won the title two weeks ago, started the game strongly and scored twice in two minutes. In the 20th minute, Arsenal’s defence lost focus after a quick throw-in, allowing Andy Robertson to cross for Cody Gakpo to head home.
Just a minute later, Dominik Szoboszlai ran onto a forward pass and set up Luis Diaz, who tapped the ball into an empty net.
At that point, it looked like Arsenal were heading for a tough defeat, but they showed great spirit after the break.
Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal hope with a header in the 47th minute after a cross from Leandro Trossard. Then, Merino reacted quickest to a rebound after Alisson tipped Martin Odegaard’s shot onto the bar, and he made it 2-2.
However, Merino’s night turned sour when he was sent off late in the game for a second yellow card, after a clumsy tackle near his own penalty area. Arsenal had to play the final 10 minutes with 10 men.
There was extra drama when Liverpool’s Andy Robertson thought he had scored a late winner, but his goal was ruled out due to a foul by Ibrahima Konate in the build-up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance since announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season and was booed by some fans when he came on. He nearly scored with a curling free-kick that went just wide.
The draw means Liverpool remain 15 points ahead of Arsenal, who are still on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
