Despite a great 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Arsenal, second in the Premier League with 68 points, is still unsure about obtaining a top-five finish that would ensure a position in next season’s Champions League.
The game began with Liverpool getting a guard of honour from Arsenal, the current Premier League champions. But in the first half Liverpool was everything; the Reds were sprinting to a two-goal lead.
Andy Robertson’s cross found Cody Gakpo, who headed the ball beyond Arsenal goalie Aaron Ramsdale to open Liverpool’s score in the 20th minute.
Soon after, the hosts extended their advantage when Dominik Szoboszlai discovered Mohamed Salah’s long pass. Halfway the ball was passed by the Hungarian midfielder for Luis Diaz, who tapped it into an empty net, making it 2-0.
Arsenal turned forth a remarkable second-half response, although they seemed destined for a dismal loss.
Two minutes into the second half, Gabriel Martinelli used a cross from Leandro Trossard to head the ball past Liverpool goalie Alisson Becker, so closing the deficit.
Mikel Merino rising to meet Martin Ødegaard’s shot, which had crashed off the crossbar, headed the ball into the net to tie the score at 2-2 in the 70th minute.
Merino’s happiness, though, was fleeting. Just nine minutes later, he was issued a red card for a sliding challenge on Szoboszlai near the Arsenal penalty area.
Arsenal held fast to guarantee the draw even though they were playing the last minutes with ten men.
“It was a great game of football, fans all around the world and in the stadium love what they seen,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot remarked.
“It doesn’t matter too much since the league table is clear but it is about prestige,” he said.
With 83 points from 36 games, Liverpool—who have officially claimed a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title—are comfortably in first place. Arsenal still has work ahead of them to guarantee a top-five place and a Champions League comeback next season with 68 points.
