ARSENAL fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with already-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz scored twice in 87 seconds before Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino struck in the second half.
The Gunners have now been dragged into a race for second as the draw put them two points above Newcastle, who beat Chelsea 2-0 earlier on Super Sunday.
There was a celebratory atmosphere as Liverpool – who wrapped up the title two weeks ago – were given a guard of honour by their closest table chasers.
The champions scored the first in the 20th minute when Arsenal’s defence switched off following a quick throw-in and Andy Robertson’s cross was headed in by Gakpo.
Arne Slot’s side doubled their lead a minute within seconds when Dominik Szoboszlai chased on to a forward pass and squared the ball for Diaz to slide into an empty net.
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Arsenal looked as though they were heading for a heavy defeat but rallied after the break.
Martinelli headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to give them a lifeline in the 47th minute, before Merino followed into the area to equalise after Alisson tipped a shot from Martin Odegaard on to the crossbar.
Merino was then sent off for a second bookable offence when he lunged in to swipe Szoboszlai after losing possession.
It was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance for Liverpool since he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season and he was loudly booed by supporters when he came on as a substitute.
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But he almost turned those boos to cheers when his free-kick, following the red card for Merino, curled just wide of the post.
Odegaard almost grabbed a winner in added time, before Robertson had a goal disallowed for a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 97th minute.
Alexander-Arnold was the ultimate professional as he clapped the fans at full-time, while being hugged by his team-mates.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
