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Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Ten-man Gunners earn point after impressive comeback despite Mikel Merino red card

Mixed afternoon: Mikel Merino levelled for Arsenal but was then shown a red card

AFP via Getty Images

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Mikel Merino’s header earned Arsenal a point but he was then sent off as Arsenal came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield.

After a painful Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG in midweek, it looked like being another frustrating encounter for the Gunners against the champions, as Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz scored in the space of 90 seconds in the first-half to put Liverpool in control.

But Arsenal responded superbly after half-time, as Gabriel Martinelli swiftly pulled one back with a flicked header and the visitors remained on the front foot.

They got their reward with 20 minutes remaining when Martin Odegaard’s fierce strike was tipped onto the post by Alisson, and Merino was on hand to head home the rebound.

The Arsenal midfielder was shown a second yellow card with ten minutes remaining, after an ill-advised lunge on Dominik Szoboszlai, and it left Arsenal content to try and hold on for a point.

Mikel Arteta’s side did just that, despite Andy Robertson putting the ball into the net deep in stoppage-time, only to look across and see the flag was up for a foul from Ibrahima Konate.

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The result leaves Arsenal two points clear of Newcastle, who they host next weekend, as Arsenal attempt to wrap up second place in the Premier League.