The Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield on May 11, 2025, delivered a 2-2 thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With Liverpool already crowned 2024–25 champions and Arsenal licking wounds from a midweek Champions League semi-final exit, both sides produced a match packed with intensity, drama, and momentum swings.
First Half: Liverpool’s Lightning Start
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, started with purpose despite rotating their title-winning squad. Arsenal, after giving a guard of honour, showed early spark when Bukayo Saka missed a chance from Martin Odegaard’s free-kick in the third minute.
Liverpool soon took over, capitalizing on Arsenal’s defensive lapses. In the 20th minute, Cody Gakpo headed in Andrew Robertson’s cross at the near post for 1-0. Just 87 seconds later, Mohamed Salah’s precise pass set up Dominik Szoboszlai, who teed up Luis Díaz for a tap-in, making it 2-0.
Arsenal, missing the injured Declan Rice, struggled to contain Liverpool’s pace and pressing, with David Raya’s saves on shots from Díaz and Curtis Jones keeping the scoreline respectable. The Gunners looked rattled, their European disappointment seemingly lingering.
Second Half: Arsenal’s Comeback and Late Drama
Mikel Arteta’s half-time adjustments ignited Arsenal’s fightback. Just two minutes after the restart, Gabriel Martinelli headed in Leandro Trossard’s cross to pull it back to 2-1, his sixth career goal against Liverpool.
The Gunners pressed relentlessly, and in the 70th minute, Mikel Merino equalized, nodding in after Alisson parried Odegaard’s fierce 20-yard shot onto the post. However, Merino’s heroics turned sour when he was sent off in the 79th minute for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Szoboszlai.
Down to 10 men, Arsenal faced intense pressure, but Liverpool’s late winner from Robertson was ruled out by VAR for a foul by Ibrahima Konaté on Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal nearly stole it when Odegaard’s stoppage-time shot went inches wide, capping a breathless finale.
Key Moments and Performances
- Arsenal’s Grit: The Gunners’ second-half resurgence showcased their character, extending their unbeaten away run to 13 games. A win against Newcastle next could secure Champions League qualification.
- Liverpool’s Slip: Despite a dominant first half, Liverpool’s intensity dropped.Their failure to win with an extra man marked a rare off-day in their title season.
- Trent’s Farewell Shadow: Trent Alexander-Arnold, set to leave on a free transfer, faced boos from some fans when substituted on, though his set-piece quality nearly turned the game.
- Standout Players: Martinelli (8/10) and Odegaard (7.5/10) drove Arsenal’s comeback, while Raya’s (7/10) saves were crucial. For Liverpool, Gakpo (8/10) and Szoboszlai (7.5/10) shone, but Salah (7/10) faded late.
Watch extended highlights of the game below:
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