Premier League champions Liverpool were held to a thrilling 2–2 draw by Arsenal at Anfield, as the visitors mounted a spirited second-half comeback.
The hosts looked in control after scoring twice in quick succession during the first half, with Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz both finding the net in a dominant spell.
However, Arsenal came out energised after the break and pulled one back early in the second half through Gabriel Martinelli, who nodded home with a well-taken header.
Mikel Merino completed the comeback for Arsenal in the 70th minute with a precise strike, levelling the match and silencing the Anfield crowd.
Unforunately, the midfielder’s night ended sourly, as he received a second yellow card and was sent off shortly after his goal.
Despite the man advantage in the closing stages, Liverpool were unable to reclaim the lead. Manager Arne Slot praised the match as “thoroughly entertaining” but acknowledged his side lacked intensity at the start of the second half, which he felt allowed Arsenal back into the contest.
The result follows Liverpool’s 3–1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend but does little to dent their dominant league position. The Reds secured the Premier League title last month and remain 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just three matches remaining.
“Unfortunately we had 15-20 minutes where we played with the same intensity (as against Chelsea),” said Slot.
“And it’s not completely bad but I miss a little bit, and they were the first 15-20 minutes of the second half which were similar to what we saw last week, where we played really good with the ball, came into so many promising positions but in the final third we were not decisive.
“And defending last week, the goals we conceded were not so good and that I saw in the first 15 minutes after half-time.
“But the first half was great. I think all over, this is why people like the Premier League so much.
“Two great teams that are competing with each other and a fantastic game of football. Both teams showing so much quality.
“Four goals, 2-2 both teams could have won it in the end.
“This is what makes the Premier League so special and this is also what we have to try as managers, not only to win games but also make sure fans like what they see.”
