Arsenal Fight Back For Dramatic Draw Against Champions Liverpool At Anfield.
Arsenal produced a stirring second-half comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool in a thrilling encounter at Anfield on 11 May 2025. Despite trailing by two goals within 22 minutes, Mikel Arteta’s side showcased their resilience to keep their Champions League qualification hopes firmly in their own hands, even after playing the final 10 minutes with 10 men.
Liverpool, who clinched the title two weeks ago, were in celebratory mood, with Anfield pulsating with a party atmosphere. The Reds wasted no time capitalising on the raucous support, racing into a 2-0 lead with two goals in as many minutes. In the 20th minute, Arsenal’s defence was caught napping after a quick throw-in, allowing Andy Robertson to deliver a pinpoint cross for Cody Gakpo to head home. Moments later, Dominik Szoboszlai latched onto a forward pass and squared for Luis Díaz to slide into an empty net, leaving Arsenal reeling.
The Gunners, however, refused to capitulate. After the break, they roared back into contention. Gabriel Martinelli sparked hope in the 47th minute, heading in a precise cross from Leandro Trossard. The equaliser arrived when Alisson parried Martin Ødegaard’s shot onto the crossbar, only for Mikel Merino to follow up and bundle the ball home. Arsenal’s joy was tempered in the closing stages when Merino received a second yellow card for a lunging tackle, forcing his side to dig deep with a man down.
Liverpool nearly snatched victory late on. Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first appearance since announcing his departure at season’s end, was greeted with boos from some fans when introduced as a substitute. The defender almost silenced his critics with a curling free-kick that whistled just wide following Merino’s dismissal. Further drama ensued in stoppage time when Robertson’s goal was disallowed after a foul by Ibrahima Konaté on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up, sparing Arsenal’s blushes.
The match was not without its subplots. Liverpool fans, buoyed by their title triumph, taunted Arteta over his claim that Arsenal were the best side in this season’s Champions League, while the Gunners formed a guard of honour for the champions before kick-off. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s title-winning manager, demonstrated his forward-thinking approach by starting Conor Bradley over the outgoing Alexander-Arnold, a decision that paid dividends in a dominant first half.
Despite their early dominance, Liverpool were left to rue missed chances, with Robertson firing wide late on in his 250th Premier League appearance for the club. “We were unlucky not to be further in front at half-time,” Slot reflected, acknowledging his side’s relentless pressing. He added that fans were “entitled to their opinion” on Alexander-Arnold, whose exit has divided supporters.
For Arsenal, the point keeps them second in the table, 15 points behind Liverpool but well-positioned to secure a top-four finish with five games remaining. Arteta will take heart from his team’s character, though Merino’s suspension and defensive lapses will need addressing. As Anfield celebrated Liverpool’s coronation, Arsenal’s battling display ensured they left with their pride intact and their European ambitions alive.