Arsenal came from two goals behind to secure a crucial 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, edging closer to a Champions League spot. Despite first-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz putting Liverpool in control, the Gunners fought back after the break.
Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal, and Mikel Merino’s header in the 70th minute leveled the score. Although Merino was sent off late in the match for a second booking, Arsenal held on to secure an important point in the race for a top-five finish.
Currently second in the Premier League, Arsenal are five points clear of sixth-placed Aston Villa and will next face third-placed Newcastle at home before traveling to relegated Southampton on the final day of the season. With a superior goal difference over their rivals, Arsenal only need one more point to secure Champions League qualification, despite having won just one of their last six league matches.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment with his team’s first-half performance, calling it “nowhere near the level” expected, but was pleased with the fight shown in the second half.
Liverpool, who had already sealed the Premier League title, made headlines by dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold to the bench. The England right-back, who confirmed he will leave Anfield when his contract expires, was jeered by some fans when he came on in the second half. Liverpool manager Arne Slot stood by his players, despite the divided fan reactions.
The match had lost much of its title-deciding significance for Liverpool, who had already clinched the record-equalling 20th English league title, but for Arsenal, it was an opportunity to recover from their Champions League semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.
Liverpool took control early, with Gakpo heading in a Robertson cross in the 20th minute and Diaz adding another shortly after. But Arsenal responded strongly after the break, with Martinelli’s header and Merino’s equalizer after a rebound from Alisson’s save. Despite Merino’s red card late in the game, Arsenal held on to a valuable point in their bid for European football next season.
