Arsenal staged a spirited fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool, recovering from a two-goal deficit in a thrilling encounter at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool dominated the first half with Cody Gakpo's powerful header and Luis Diaz's close-range finish within the space of 90 seconds putting them in firm control.
Arsenal, still reeling from their midweek Champions League semifinal exit, looked sluggish and vulnerable as Liverpool dictated the tempo.
However, the visitors responded decisively after the break. Gabriel Martinelli injected hope with a well-placed header just after halftime, narrowing the gap.
The momentum swung further in Arsenal’s favor when Mikel Merino capitalized on a rebound in the 70th minute, heading in after captain Martin Ødegaard's thunderous strike was pushed onto the woodwork by goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Arsenal’s resurgence was briefly overshadowed as Merino received a red card nine minutes later for a reckless challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai, forcing the visitors to see out the final moments with 10 men.
Despite the disadvantage, Ødegaard nearly snatched victory, sending a late effort inches wide of the post in stoppage time.
Liverpool also thought they had clinched a last-minute winner when Andy Robertson fired home, only for the goal to be ruled out due to a foul in the buildup.
With the draw, Arne Slot's side remains comfortably at the top, having secured their record-equalling 20th English title weeks earlier. They sit on 83 points, while Arsenal remain second with 68, still fighting for a Champions League qualification spot.
Beyond the scoreline, Trent Alexander-Arnold's substitution sparked controversy, as the right-back—who recently announced his departure from Liverpool—was met with boos from sections of the home crowd, disappointed by his decision to leave on a free transfer.
While Arsenal’s Premier League campaign has faded in recent weeks, their resilience in this fixture reminded Liverpool why they were their closest challengers in the title race.
Arteta's men may have fallen short of silverware, but their fighting spirit remains intact.
Source: Al Jazeera
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