Premier League: Liverpool and 10-Man Arsenal Share Spoils in Thrilling 2–2 Draw at Anfield

May 11, 2025 – Anfield, Liverpool

In a pulsating Premier League encounter, Liverpool and Arsenal played out a 2–2 draw at Anfield. The match was marked by early dominance from Liverpool, a spirited Arsenal comeback, and a contentious atmosphere surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending departure.

First-Half: Liverpool’s Early Surge

Liverpool, already crowned Premier League champions, started the match with intensity. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Arsenal. Shortly after, Luis Díaz doubled the lead, exploiting further defensive frailties in the Arsenal backline. The Reds’ high press and quick transitions overwhelmed the visitors in the opening stages.

Second-Half: Arsenal’s Resilience

Arsenal emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Gabriel Martinelli halved the deficit early in the second half, heading in a well-placed cross. Mikel Merino then leveled the score, reacting swiftly to a rebound off the post. However, Merino’s evening turned sour when he received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Arsenal to finish the match with ten men.

Late Drama and Controversy

The match’s closing stages were filled with tension. Liverpool thought they had secured victory when Andrew Robertson found the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the buildup. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had announced his departure to Real Madrid, was involved in the sequence leading to Arsenal’s equalizer and faced jeers from sections of the Anfield crowd. Despite the hostility, he received applause at the final whistle, highlighting the mixed emotions surrounding his exit.

Implications for the Standings

The draw maintains Liverpool’s position at the top of the table with 83 points. Arsenal remains second with 68 points, but their position is under threat from Newcastle United, who have a game in hand.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool will aim to finish the season strongly, with matches against lower-ranked opponents in the coming weeks. Arsenal faces a crucial fixture against Newcastle United at the Emirates, which could determine their Champions League qualification hopes.

This encounter showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Premier League season.