Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz of Liverpool scored within a minute of each other to give the champions a 2-0 lead at halftime. However, Arsenal staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino netting crucial goals. Merino’s equalizer sparked celebrations among Arsenal players and fans, but his enthusiasm would later cost him as he received a second yellow card.
The draw means Liverpool remains 15 points clear at the top of the table, while Arsenal needs just one point to secure a Champions League spot. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with his team’s first-half performance, emphasizing the need for consistency.
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, reflected on the match, saying, “It’s not often we play a great team like Arsenal. We weren’t as intense for the first 15 minutes of the second half as we were for the first 45 minutes.” Mikel Arteta added, “What we did in the first half is nowhere near the level so to do it after that is not acceptable. We reacted, great but it is unacceptable.” Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s winger, noted, “It’s never easy to come here and play against them after not a good result against PSG. We play for Arsenal and we have to go to every game to win.”
The match was also marred by controversy surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was booed by some Liverpool fans during his substitution. Alexander-Arnold has announced his departure from Liverpool to join Real Madrid. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson defended Alexander-Arnold, stating that he deserved greater respect. “Not nice to see him get booed but you can’t tell people how to feel. That’s how I feel about it and I’m not going to tell anyone else how to feel about it.” Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, shared a similar sentiment, “The booing of one of your own players is not for me. I understand there’s a lot of ill feeling, but I think booing one of your players when they’re playing is not for me.”
This thrilling draw has significant implications for both teams as they navigate the final stages of the season.