Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Boos for Alexander-Arnold as Gunners fight back in four-goal draw
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: The Gunners trailed at half time but responded well to claim a point
Arsenal battled from two goals down to salvage a point at Premier League champions Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a mixed reception at Anfield and the hosts had a late winner disallowed.
Liverpool looked rampant in the first half and struck twice in 80 seconds through Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to leave Arsenal trailing at half time and heading for another disappointing result after Wednesday’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.
But Arsenal showed commendable spirit to claw themselves level in the second half, as Gabriel Martinelli headed in Leandro Trossard’s cross and Mikel Merino nodded in after Martin Odegaard hit the crossbar.
There were some boos as Alexander-Arnold, playing his first game at Anfield since announcing his departure at the end of the season, replaced Conor Bradley, while Arsenal had to play the final 10 minutes with 10 men after Merino was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge.
Liverpool thought they had won it when Andy Robertson scrambled in from a corner deep in stoppage time, but a foul was given for a Ibrahima Konate push on Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal held on to claim a morale-boosting point, even if their place in next season’s Champions League is still not secure with a visit from third-placed Newcastle, who are two points behind them, to come next week.
Follow all of the latest from Anfield with our live blog below:
.jpeg?quality=75&width=230&auto=webp)
.jpeg?quality=75&width=230&auto=webp)
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
50 mins: Saka is alive in the box as he wriggles away from a challenge from Robertson. He tees up Trossard, who has to go to the edge of the box to get his shot away, and he can’t keep it down as it goes over the bar.
Good start to the second half from Arteta’s side.
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
49 mins: Leandro Trossard has started the second half superbly, carving out two chances, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the second. It wasn't a great couple of minutes for Conor Bradley, however, as his audition to take over as the first-choice right-back next season continues
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal (MARTINELLI 47')
That’s the response Arsenal wanted! Bradley stands off Trossard and invites the cross. Martinelli heads in after taking up the position in between Van Dijk and Konate!
Martinelli strikes again against Liverpool.
Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
45 mins: We’re back underway. A big half for Arsenal, as you can imagine what they talking points will be if this gets any worse...
HALF TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
Has been a long time since Mikel Arteta’s defence have been so open. Big half-time team talk coming up.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
The champions have turned up at Anfield and lead the runners-up 2-0 at the break.
Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
45+1 mins: We’re into three minutes added time. Arsenal look to hit back as Martinelli gets some space. But Van Dijk is there to clear at the front post.
Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
42 mins: Arsenal have rarely looked this open. Part of it may be down to the absences of Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes, or exhaustion after their efforts in Paris, or the blow to morale of their Champions League exit. But this does feel a game with the makings of a rout.
Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal
40 mins: We’re back underway. Odegaard tries to work some room in the box for a shot but Liverpool’s structure is strong and Konate blocks.
The Reds then race away, with Salah leading the charge again. He looks for Jones at the front post but Arsenal can clear.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments