Liverpool vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Gakpo 20’, Diaz 21’; Martinelli 47’, Merino 70’

Already crowned Premier League champions, Liverpool celebrated in front of their home fans with a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, who produced a spirited second-half comeback to extend their unbeaten H2H run to six top-flight matches. On an emotional afternoon at Anfield, the Reds were honoured by their opponents with a pre-match guard of honour before putting in a first-half performance worthy of their new status.

First Half – Champions Strike Twice in Two Minutes

There was little evidence of a European hangover for Liverpool, but Arsenal’s midweek Champions League exit was clearly still lingering as they started sluggishly. Luis Díaz almost broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes with a fierce strike, drawing a superb save from David Raya. The opener soon followed though, with Andrew Robertson whipping in a near-post cross that Cody Gakpo met unmarked to nod home past Raya.

Just two minutes later, the champions doubled their advantage. Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah combined brilliantly to release Díaz, who swept home his fourth goal in five PL appearances.

The Reds could’ve added more before the break, with Curtis Jones being denied by Raya after slicing through the disorganised Gunners defence.

Second Half – Gunners Roar Back After Break

Mikel Arteta’s half-time team talk sparked an immediate response, with Gabriel Martinelli rising highest to glance in a well-weighted Leandro Trossard cross just three minutes after the restart.

Now with renewed belief, Arsenal upped the tempo, and although Arne Slot made a triple change – bringing on Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, and the soon-departing Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Gunners continued to dominate proceedings.

The equaliser arrived just after the hour mark. Martin Ødegaard’s long-range strike was parried onto the post by Alisson, and Mikel Merino reacted quickest to nod the rebound into the empty net. Unfortunately for the former Real Sociedad man, his afternoon turned sour late on when he was shown a second yellow card for a high challenge on Szoboszlai, reducing Arsenal to 10 men.

Conclusion – A Point Earned, Pride Restored

Despite being a man down, the visitors held firm, although they were nearly undone deep into stoppage time when Robertson thought he had netted the winner, only for VAR to rule it out. The result all but confirms Arsenal’s return to the UEFA Champions League next season, while Liverpool’s title party remains in full swing, now unbeaten in 16 PL matches and still undefeated at Anfield this campaign.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Liverpool v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League