Arsenal produced a stirring second-half comeback to earn a vital 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield, moving closer to securing UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.
According to the 9am News report, the pulsating encounter saw Liverpool dominate the opening half with two quickfire goals, only for Mikel Arteta’s side to show resilience and determination after the break.
Liverpool came out blazing, punishing a sluggish Arsenal side seemingly still reeling from their Champions League semi-final loss to PSG. Within 90 seconds, Cody Gakpo made amends for a missed earlier opportunity by heading in a brilliant opener at the near post. Moments later, Luis Diaz doubled the lead, capitalising on a perfectly timed low cross from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Curtis Jones nearly added a third before halftime, forcing David Raya into a strong save to keep the visitors in the game.
But Arsenal returned for the second half with renewed intensity. Within two minutes, Gabriel Martinelli halved the deficit with a clever glancing header, ghosting between the defenders to meet Leandro Trossard’s inswinging cross.
With momentum firmly shifting, Arsenal pressed on. Their equaliser came after Martin Ødegaard thundered a long-range shot against the post. Mikel Merino reacted quickest, nodding home the rebound while VAR confirmed he was just onside — a call that frustrated Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his final Anfield appearance, was found to be playing Merino onside.
Arsenal’s joy was tempered late on when Merino was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Szoboszlai, leaving the Gunners to dig in with 10 men.
Liverpool thought they had snatched a winner when Andy Robertson tapped home a rebound after Virgil van Dijk’s powerful header from a Salah corner was saved. However, Ibrahima Konaté was penalised for fouling Myles Lewis-Skelly during the build-up, and the goal was ruled out.
In the end, the draw does little for Liverpool, who have already secured the title under manager Arne Slot, but it could prove crucial for Arsenal as they aim to secure a top-four finish and return to Europe’s elite club competition.
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