Player Ratings: Arsenal Fight Back to Secure a Point Against Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Held to Draw by Resilient Arsenal in Dramatic Premier League Clash

On an afternoon where the applause began before the first whistle — Arsenal lining up to offer Liverpool a guard of honour — the newly-crowned Premier League champions reminded everyone why they finished top. And yet, in a match brimming with end-of-season unpredictability, the Gunners clawed back a 2-2 draw in a contest that shifted dramatically from dominance to survival.

Bright Start from Champions Underlines Title Credentials

There was little evidence of Liverpool easing up in the opening stages. Arne Slot, overseeing his side with a title already secured in his debut season, appeared intent on maintaining momentum. His team obliged. Cody Gakpo, always a threat between the lines, found space to open the scoring, before Luis Díaz doubled the lead in a rapid first-half salvo.

The tempo and incisiveness from Liverpool — even with squad rotation evident — was a snapshot of the fluidity that’s underpinned their campaign. Arsenal, still carrying the emotional weight of a Champions League semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain, looked disjointed and overwhelmed in the early exchanges.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Rediscover Rhythm After Break

Whatever Mikel Arteta said at half-time clearly worked. Arsenal emerged with purpose, playing with the urgency of a side desperate not to end the season meekly. Within moments, Gabriel Martinelli had pulled one back, capitalising on a lapse in Liverpool’s defensive focus.

It was Martin Odegaard who began dictating play, with Thomas Partey shielding the back four effectively, allowing Mikel Merino to push forward. The Spaniard, deployed more traditionally in midfield after recent defensive cameos, rewarded Arteta’s tweak with the equaliser. His cool finish with 20 minutes to play levelled things up, before his dismissal — the result of a second yellow — added late drama.

Late Chances and VAR Drama Deny Both Sides

Despite being down to ten, Arsenal nearly stole it. Odegaard, typically composed, dragged his effort wide in stoppage time. But it was Liverpool who thought they had won it at the death, only for Andrew Robertson’s goal from a recycled corner to be chalked off by VAR for a foul in the build-up.

This was Premier League theatre in full — tactical switches, narrative arcs, and a reminder of just how close the margins can be, even when one team is already crowned champion.

Mixed Feelings for both Managers

Slot, who has navigated his first Premier League season with composure and tactical authority, will see this result as a lesson in game management. For Arteta, this was a response that showed character, even if the performance bore the scars of a draining campaign.

“There was no question about the spirit we showed today,” Arteta said post-match. “That is what I want to see every week.”

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, can reflect on a season that exceeded expectations. While the draw ended any hopes of a final flourish, it served as a fitting showcase of the attacking dynamism Slot has instilled.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Manager: Arne Slot – 7

Arsenal Player Ratings

Manager: Mikel Arteta – 7

This wasn’t quite the emphatic finale Liverpool fans might have envisioned, but it was a reminder of why the Premier League remains unmatched for drama and narrative. Arsenal’s fightback won’t rescue their season, but it might offer a hint of what’s still to come.