Liverpool and Arsenal End All Square at Anfield

Liverpool and Arsenal battled to an intense 2-2 draw that could shape the race for Champions League qualification. While Liverpool preserved their unbeaten home run against the Gunners, Arsenal’s hold on second place is now under increasing pressure.

The champions opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Cody Gakpo slotted home a clinical finish following a fast counter-attack. Just a minute later, Luis Díaz made it 2-0, heading in a superb delivery from Mohamed Salah, who continues to set the league alight with 46 goal contributions this season.

Despite the early blow, Arsenal regrouped and came out stronger in the second half. Gabriel Martinelli narrowed the deficit in the 47th minute. The equalizer came in the 70th minute when Mikel Merino rose highest to convert from a set piece exposing Liverpool’s occasional fragility on dead ball situations.

However, Merino's night took a turn for the worse just nine minutes later. A second bookable offense on Darwin Nunez earned him a red card, reducing Arsenal to 10 men and forcing them to defend resolutely against a late Liverpool surge. Salah nearly snatched a winner, but Arsenal’s defense held firm to see out the draw.

This marks Arsenal’s 14th draw of the campaign that has cost them 21 points from winning positions. They now sit on 68 points, just ahead of Newcastle 66 and Manchester City 65.

Liverpool, sitting comfortably on 83 points, remain on course to finish the season strongly and continue their dominance over Arsenal at Anfield, where they haven’t lost to the Gunners in 15 straight matches across all competitions.