EPL: 10-man Arsenal hold Liverpool at home

Arsenal mounted an impressive second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, keeping their Champions League hopes firmly alive.

Trailing by two goals after first-half strikes from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, the Gunners responded with determination.

Gabriel Martinelli halved the deficit shortly before the break, and Mikel Merino’s equaliser early in the second half ensured Mikel Arteta’s men left Merseyside with a crucial point.

Despite Merino’s dismissal for a second yellow card with 11 minutes remaining, the visitors held firm under pressure, preserving a result that leaves them second in the Premier League and five points ahead of sixth-placed Aston Villa.

Arsenal now face a pivotal home clash against third-placed Newcastle, followed by a season-ending trip to already-relegated Southampton.

With a commanding goal difference over their top-five rivals, Arteta’s side likely need just one more point from their remaining fixtures to seal Champions League qualification, despite managing just one win in their last six league matches.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Arne Slot made headlines with his decision to bench Trent Alexander-Arnold, days after the England international announced he would depart Anfield when his contract expires in June.

Expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold entered the match in the second half to a mixed reception. Some home fans greeted him with boos, reflecting the divisive response to his impending exit.