Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Visitors come from behind to draw at Premier League champions despite Mikel Merino red

Mikel Merino scored and was then despatched off as Arsenal got here from two objectives down to attract with Premier League champions Liverpool in an entertaining match at Anfield.

There was a celebratory ambiance as Liverpool – who wrapped up the title two weeks in the past – raced forward with two objectives in two minutes.

They scored the primary within the twentieth minute when Arsenal’s defence switched off following a fast throw-in and Andy Robertson’s cross was headed in by Cody Gakpo.

The Reds doubled their lead a minute later when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a ahead move and squared the ball for Luis Diaz to slip into an empty web.

Arsenal regarded as if they had been heading for a heavy defeat however rallied after the break.

Gabriel Martinelli headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to present them a lifeline within the forty seventh minute earlier than Merino adopted into the realm to attain after Alisson tipped a shot from Martin Odegaard on to the crossbar.

Merino was then despatched off for a second bookable offence when he lunged right into a deal with on the sting of the Arsenal penalty space after dropping possession – and the guests performed the ultimate 10 minutes a person down.

It was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first look for Liverpool since he introduced he can be leaving on the finish of the season and he was booed by supporters when he got here on instead.

He nearly turned these boos to cheers when his free-kick, following the pink card for Merino, curled simply vast of the publish.

There was drama proper on the end as Robertson had a aim dominated out. The defender discovered the online after goalkeeper David Raya had parried Virgil van Dijk’s header – however there was a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly within the build-up.

The consequence leaves Liverpool 15 factors away from second-placed Arsenal, who stay in charge of their very own future as they give the impression of being to safe Champions League soccer subsequent season.