Gunners Rally From Two Goals Down to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
LIVERPOOL: Arsenal clawed back from a two-goal deficit to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday, edging closer to securing a Champions League spot.
The Gunners were stunned in the first half as goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz put Liverpool firmly in control at Anfield. But a spirited second-half performance saw Gabriel Martinelli halve the deficit before Mikel Merino netted the equaliser.
Despite Merino being sent off for a second yellow card with 11 minutes remaining, Arsenal held firm to claim a vital point in the race for a top-five finish. They now sit second, five points ahead of sixth-placed Aston Villa.
Next up, Arsenal face third-placed Newcastle at home before concluding their season against already-relegated Southampton. Given their superior goal difference over rivals, just one more point from the final two matches should be enough to seal a Champions League berth — even though they’ve won only once in their last six league outings.
Manager Mikel Arteta was critical of his team’s first-half performance:
“What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level we expect — that’s not acceptable,” he said. “When the team plays like that, it’s my responsibility. Everyone must feel the pain of it.”
In a notable change, Liverpool manager Arne Slot left Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, days after the England defender confirmed he would leave Anfield when his contract expires in June — with Real Madrid widely tipped as his next destination. Alexander-Arnold’s appearance in the second half was met with boos from some Liverpool supporters, with jeers echoing his every touch.
Slot defended the player:
“Fans are free to react how they feel, but I will always support the players who wear the red shirt,” he said.
Though this fixture once promised title-race drama, Liverpool had already clinched their record-equalling 20th English championship two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Arsenal were still reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, losing 2-1 in the semi-final’s second leg.
Arteta had stirred debate by insisting Arsenal were the best team in Europe, and previously joked that they “won” the last two Premier League seasons on points — despite finishing behind Manchester City. These remarks drew derision from rival fans.
Before kickoff, Arsenal — trophyless since 2020 — were made to perform a guard of honour for the champions. Liverpool looked set to compound their misery, opening the scoring in the 20th minute when Andrew Robertson whipped in a cross for Gakpo to head home from close range.
Just 87 seconds later, Dominik Szoboszlai’s low cross found Diaz, who slid in to double Liverpool’s lead.
The Kop wasted no time mocking Arteta with chants of “best team in Europe? You’re having a laugh.”
But Arsenal responded just after the break. In the 47th minute, Martinelli met Leandro Trossard’s cross with a deft header into the far corner to give the visitors hope.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker kept his side in front with strong saves from Ben White and Martinelli, but Arsenal’s pressure finally paid off in the 70th minute.
Martin Ødegaard’s powerful shot was parried by Alisson, and Merino reacted quickest, heading home the rebound — with Alexander-Arnold, ironically, playing him onside as boos continued to ring out.
