Mikel Merino's Goal Leads Arsenal To Hold Liverpool To Draw, Fail To Win After Lifting Premier League Trophy

Mikel Merino was sent off after scoring the equaliser for Arsenal against Liverpool at Anfield 

Arsenal shrugged off a defeat in a comeback to force a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, despite losing Mikel Merino following a second yellow card offence in the closing minutes. 

Having to lose would have been a double jeopardy for the Gunner after the UEFA Champions League exit in the midweek game. Earning at least a point from the game kept the Gunners in good condition in the top four, as the gaps between teams remained marginal. 

The Gunners recovered from two-goal deficits after Cody Gakpo nodded in Andrew Robertson's cross. Luis Diaz doubled the lead, tapping home Szoboszlai's pass following Mo Salah's lob, leading to the fast break. 

Gabriel Martinelli notched in a header from Leandro Trossard's cross. Bukayo Saka played in Martin Odegaard, whose long-range shot Allison saved to the reach of Mikel Merino for a glance header into the net. 

Liverpool have failed to win two consecutive Premier League games after lifting the trophy. Meanwhile, Arsenal have only won three of their previous 11 Premier League games. 

Overview 

Establishing control from the first half, the Reds took the lead by two goals within 90 seconds. It quickly sent their awareness of the reigning champions to the Gunners. However, being contenders, Arsenal found their way back into the game. 

10-man Arsenal could have completed a comeback, but defended the draw. Losing Merino to a red card made the latter stages difficult for Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool seemed relaxed yet composed, with Mohamed Salah keeping a low profile as the Reds maintained dominance