According to reports, Arsenal finished the match against Liverpool at Anfield with 10 men. In this game, part of the 36th round of the Premier League, Liverpool took the lead early with goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. However, Gabriel Martinelli scored early in the second half from a Leandro Trossard assist to reduce the deficit.

Despite Anfield’s atmosphere favoring the league champions, Arsenal took control of possession and managed to score the equalizer in the 70th minute. Again, with a header—this time from Mikel Merino—who capitalized on a rebound after Martin Ødegaard’s shot hit the post.

However, Merino’s night did not end well, as he was sent off just nine minutes after his goal. While Liverpool players were in possession, Merino fouled Darwin Núñez and then brought down Dominik Szoboszlai, prompting the referee to show him a second yellow card and send him off.

With Merino’s dismissal, Arsenal went fully defensive to protect their point at Anfield, and despite Liverpool’s numerous attacks, the match ended 2-2. The major concern for Arsenal is that, with today’s results, their lead over third-placed Newcastle has narrowed to just two points, and the two teams will face each other next week. With Kai Havertz injured and Merino being Arsenal’s only option for the attacking front, Mikel Arteta will now have to field his team without a striker in the crucial match against Newcastle.