Arsenal come from behind to draw at Liverpool

Mikel Merino scored and was later sent off as Arsenal staged a spirited comeback from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool in a thrilling encounter at Anfield.

With a celebratory mood in the air following Liverpool’s title triumph, the hosts flew out of the blocks and struck twice in quick succession to take control early on.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capitalising on Arsenal’s lapse in concentration from a quick throw-in. Andy Robertson delivered a pinpoint cross that Gakpo headed home with ease.

Just a minute later, Dominik Szoboszlai latched onto a forward pass and unselfishly squared the ball to Luis Díaz, who slotted into an empty net to double Liverpool’s advantage.

Arsenal looked vulnerable and were in danger of a heavy defeat, but responded impressively after the break.

Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back in the 47th minute, heading in from a Leandro Trossard cross to give the visitors hope.

Merino was sent off as the visitors fought back to earn a deserved point

That momentum continued when Mikel Merino followed up a rebound to score the equaliser after Alisson had tipped Martin Odegaard’s shot onto the crossbar.

However, Merino’s afternoon took a turn for the worse.

The midfielder received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on the edge of Arsenal’s box after losing possession, reducing the Gunners to ten men for the final 10 minutes.

There was a mixed reception for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first appearance since announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

The right-back was booed by sections of the crowd but nearly silenced the jeers with a curling free-kick that flew just wide following Merino’s dismissal.

Late drama unfolded as Andy Robertson thought he had netted a dramatic winner, only for his goal to be ruled out.

David Raya had parried Virgil van Dijk’s header into the defender’s path, but referee Michael Oliver spotted a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the buildup.

Liverpool are now 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Arsenal remain second and in control of their own Champions League qualification hopes.