By Joseph Armstrong-Gardner
Monday 12 May 2025 06:13, UK
Mikel Merino scored the equalizer for Arsenal but was later sent off the pitch.
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Arsenal battled back from 2 goals down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw, despite finishing the match a man down with 10 players following the dismissal of Mikel Merino in their peculiar yet tantalizing face-off with champions Liverpool.
There was a celebratory atmosphere as Liverpool, who secured the Premier League title just two weeks ago, accelerated into the lead with two goals in two minutes.
They scored their first goal in the 20th minute when the Gunners’ defense began to daydream following a quick throw-in, and Andy Robertson’s whipped cross was fired in with pace and was met with an astute header at the near post from Cody Gakpo.
The Reds doubled their advantage a minute later when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a forward pass from Mohammed Salah and squared the ball for Luis Diaz to score an open goal as David Raya was left in ‘no man’s land’.
Arsenal looked as though they were destined for a thrashing defeat, but found inspiration after the half-time break.
Conor Bradley stepped off Leandro Trossard, who delivered a teasing floated cross which was headed in competently into the far right corner, giving Allison no chance as Gabriel Martinelli gave The Gunners a desperately needed lifeline.
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William Saliba missed a golden chance before Arsenal equalised, but the Gunners did get back on level terms in the 70th minute, with Mikel Merino becoming the ultimate opportunist after Allison had tipped Martin Odegaard’s vicious long-range strike onto the right post. Resulting in an open goal for Merino to put his header away comfortably.
However, Merino was sent for an early shower after he committed his second bookable offence by lunging at a tackle on Dominik Szoboszlai to retrieve a loose ball as the visitors had to commence the game with just 10 men.
It was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance for Liverpool since he announced he would be departing for Real Madrid once the season finishes. He was substituted onto the pitch 3 minutes before Arsenal equalised and was welcomed with huge adversity from fans in the Kop, booing him for his decision to leave the club in the summer.
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The distraction of the boos appeared to be affecting Arne Slot’s men as Liverpool struggled to extend their lead to give themselves a much-needed cushion.
Alexander-Arnold almost altered those boos to cheers when his free-kick, following the dismissal for Merino, curled just wide of the post and nearly won the match for the Reds.
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There was immense drama to conclude the match, as Alexis McAllister whipped in a corner to be met with a thunderous header from Van Dijk only to be saved spectacularly by David Raya who unfortunately for him, parried the ball staight to the feet of Andy Robertson who delivered a close range half volley into a spacious right side of the net.
However, Robertson’s stoppage-time winner was chalked off for a foul from Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up to the goal.
The frantic 2-2 draw leaves Liverpool unable to reach the 90-point mark this season, while Arsenal remain second; however, they are still 15 points adrift from The Reds as they look to dictate their fate on their quest for Champions League football next season.
Player ratings:
Liverpool: Alisson (7), Bradley (6), Konate (7), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (6), Gravenberch (7), Szoboszlai (8), Jones (6), Salah (7), Diaz (7), Gakpo (7).
Subs: Nunez (5), Mac Allister (6), Alexander-Arnold (6), Jota (6), Elliott (6).
Arsenal: Raya (7), White (6), Saliba (6), Kiwior (6), Lewis-Skelly (7), Partey (6), Merino (6), Odegaard (7), Saka (6), Trossard (8), Martinelli (8).
Subs: Tierney (6), Calafiori (6), Zinchenko (n/a).
Player of the Match: Gabriel Martinelli.
Liverpool looked to be more vigorous before the break with the Irishman, Conor Bradley’s exquisite performance at right-back as he was heavily cheered by the home crowd, seemingly justifying his inclusion ahead of a soon-to-be departing Alexander-Arnold.
However, in the second half, Conor Bradley struggled to prove that he could be Liverpool’s starting right back in the future as he was unable to engage Trossard in the developing moments leading to Martinelli’s goal. He then got booked for a rash challenge on Lewis Skelly.
Mikel Merino proved his value to Arsenal once again with a vital equalizer in the second half, which salvaged the Gunners a point that could prove very decisive in their race for Champions League football next season.
Unfortunately, Merino was unable to remain present on the pitch as he was sent off for a reckless challenge on Liverpool’s Szoboszlai.
What the managers said
Arne Slot: “It was a great game of football; fans all around the world and in the stadium love what they saw. It didn’t matter too much because the league table is clear, but it is about prestige. A team like this can really hurt you, like Chelsea last week. After you have won the league, you always wonder what team you get, but I liked the team I got. We had some good counterattacks. Arsenal immediately scored in the second half, and then I brought Diogo Jota on as an extra attacker, and we went so close to winning the game.”
Mikel Arteta: “What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level, so to do it after that is not acceptable. We reacted, great, but it is unacceptable. You don’t have to be fighting for trophies, and then you might win or lose it. That’s the level you need. No one can promise you win. You’re going to have six, seven teams who pray to be in the Champions League next year, and then you see.”
Liverpool enjoys a party as Slot considers plans
The team responded to the raucous atmosphere, pressing Arsenal all over the pitch, and were unlucky not to be further in front at half-time. The constant pressure Liverpool showed in the match has proven to be a significant factor in them winning the Premier League this season, as it’s been a struggle for teams such as Arsenal to match the energy of Liverpool in attack and defense.
Arsenal closer to playing Champions League football next season
Arsenal have not won more than three league games in a row this season, and that level of consistency will have to improve if they are to achieve their goal of becoming Premier League champions in the future.
A justification for this stat is the fact that Merino’s red card was Arsenal’s sixth in the Premier League this season. The frequent dismissals of key players disrupt the flow and cohesion of Arsenal’s chemistry and might’ve been a monumental variable when looking at their unsuccessful title races in the past 3 years with Manchester City and Liverpool. Before this match, Opta gave Arsenal a 99.7% chance of qualifying for the Champions League, and they are one step closer to achieving that after rescuing a point inside a hostile Anfield.