Liverpool and Arsenal Share the Spoils in Anfield Classic

In a clash bursting with intensity and emotion, Liverpool and Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield in a match that was anything but forgettable. The reigning champions looked set to cruise early on, firing home two quick goals that left the Gunners reeling. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a powerful header from a Robertson cross, making up for an earlier miss. Just 90 seconds later, Dominik Szoboszlai picked out Luis Diaz for a simple tap-in, sending the home crowd into raptures.

But Arsenal, still licking their wounds from European heartbreak, emerged from the dressing room with fresh fire. Just two minutes into the second half, Leandro Trossard lofted a beautiful ball into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who made no mistake with a precise glancing header. That goal flipped the switch Arsenal grew sharper, braver, hungrier.

Their moment arrived in the 70th minute when Martin Odegaard unleashed a thunderbolt from distance. Alisson could only tip it onto the bar, and Mikel Merino pounced on the rebound, diving to nod home the equalizer. Liverpool protested furiously for offside, but replays showed Alexander-Arnold had played Merino on. For a brief spell, it looked like Arsenal might go on to win it. That hope, however, was dented when Merino went from hero to villain. Two reckless fouls in quick succession saw him sent off with a second yellow in the 79th minute.

Despite being a man down, Arsenal nearly snatched it late on. Odegaard weaved through Liverpool’s midfield only to drag his shot wide. Then, in stoppage time, Anfield erupted as Robertson appeared to score a winner only for VAR to rule out the goal due to a Konate foul in the build-up. Drama to the very last whistle.

For Arsenal, the result leaves their Champions League qualification hopes delicately poised. For Liverpool, it was a reminder of their resilience, even if the title has already been wrapped up.

In the end, both teams walked away with reasons to be proud, frustrated, and hopeful fitting for a season that has been anything but predictable.