EPL: Arsenal Holds Liverpool to 2-2 Draw at Anfield

Arsenal fights back to draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, maintains 2nd place in Premier League.

Mikel Merino scored and was then sent off as Arsenal came from two goals down to draw with Premier League champions Liverpool in an entertaining match at Anfield.

The match had a celebratory atmosphere, but it was short-lived as Arsenal made a strong comeback. Liverpool took the lead in the 20th minute when Cody Gakpo headed in Andy Robertson's cross after Arsenal's defense failed to clear a quick throw-in. Darwin Nunez doubled the lead just two minutes later. However, Mikel Merino's brace - one before and one after his red card - helped Arsenal draw level.

The Reds doubled their lead a minute later when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a forward pass and squared the ball for Luis Diaz to slide into an empty net.

Arsenal looked as though they were heading for a heavy defeat but rallied after the break.

Gabriel Martinelli headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to give them a lifeline in the 47th minute before Merino followed into the area to score after Alisson tipped a shot from Martin Odegaard on to the crossbar.

Merino was then sent off for a second bookable offence when he lunged into a tackle on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area after losing possession - and the visitors played the final 10 minutes a man down.

It was Trent Alexander-Arnold's first appearance for Liverpool since he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season and he was booed by supporters when he came on as a substitute.

He almost turned those boos to cheers when his free-kick, following the red card for Merino, curled just wide of the post.

Drama unfolded at the finish when Andy Robertson had a goal ruled out due to a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up.

The draw leaves Liverpool 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who remain in control of their own destiny in the pursuit of Champions League qualification for next season.

The atmosphere inside Anfield was electric, with supporters celebrating their title win and directing chants at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over his comments about his team being the best side in the Champions League.

Liverpool's players were greeted with a raucous reception, and the team responded by pressing Arsenal intensely, feeling unlucky not to have been further ahead at halftime. The Arsenal players also formed a guard of honor for Liverpool before the game, which was met with cheers from the home fans.

Andy Robertson, in his 250th Premier League appearance for Liverpool, played a key role in the opening goal, delivering a quick cross for Cody Gakpo to score.

The experienced full-back had a chance to seal the win late in the game but shot wide. Meanwhile, new manager Arne Slot showed his vision for next season by starting Conor Bradley over departing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with Arsenal's resilience in fighting back into the game, but the performance raises questions about the team's consistency.

The result highlights the mixed season Arsenal has had, particularly after their Champions League semi-final exit. With Liverpool leading 2-0, Arsenal faced the prospect of falling further behind in the chase for Champions League qualification, but they managed to salvage a draw.

An eventful day for Mikel Merino, and a belting encounter between first and second 😍#LIVARS pic.twitter.com/OHQtgbdCze

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 11, 2025

Arsenal's position in second place was under threat as Liverpool's two-goal lead put pressure on the Gunners.

To achieve their goal of becoming Premier League champions, Arsenal will need to improve their consistency, as they've failed to win more than three league games in a row this season. Despite this, Opta gave Arsenal a 99.7% chance of qualifying for the Champions League before the match, and the draw brings them one step closer to securing a spot.