“He didn’t read the room. The booing didn’t stop. It just escalated.” The Raw Podcast | OneFootball

Liverpool and Arsenal Share the Spoils in Anfield Drama

When Liverpool and Arsenal meet at Anfield, emotions inevitably run high. This latest 2–2 draw was no exception, yet it will be remembered as much for the atmosphere and controversy as the football itself. Hosted on the Anfield Index podcast, Trev Downey was joined by Hari Sethi and Jim Boardman to unpack an eventful afternoon in which Liverpool momentarily dazzled, Arsenal fought back, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s presence sparked more unrest than unity.

First-half flair and familiar frustrations

The first 45 minutes showed why Liverpool are champions-elect. Fluid attacking moves and incisive play led Hari to reminisce about “the Sturridge-Coutinho game against Arsenal” where Liverpool tore through their opponents. Indeed, the Reds seemed poised for a statement win.

Photo IMAGO

Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo, frequently under scrutiny, stepped up. Gakpo, criticised for being “sketchy” early on, finished with a deft header after a “perfect” Andy Robertson cross. Then Díaz added a second, converting a slick move involving Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah. Hari praised the move: “Just classic Liverpool. Flowing football. Inch-perfect ball from Mo.”

But Liverpool failed to capitalise further. “We should’ve been 4–0 up,” Jim lamented. “It felt like an exhibition match at times—Arsenal didn’t want to be there.”

Second-half slump and Arsenal’s response

The second half saw a different Liverpool. “We forgot we had to run,” Hari observed bluntly. “Slot’s said that before—we start like we’re lounging in a pool with cocktails.” Arsenal pounced. Gabriel Martinelli halved the deficit after a poor defensive sequence, with Hari noting, “Connor Bradley didn’t get tight enough. We allowed the cross far too easily.”

Arsenal’s fight, however belated, earned them parity through Martin Ødegaard’s effort, parried by Alisson, before Mourinho nodded in the rebound. “Sloppy goals,” Hari conceded. “The kind we don’t concede when we’re locked in.”

Statistically, Arsenal edged it: 57% possession and 15 shots to Liverpool’s 14. Yet the scoreline barely tells the story.

Trent: talent, turmoil, and the roar of discontent

Much of the post-match talk centred not on goals but on Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose impending Real Madrid move continues to divide supporters. Introduced in the 64th minute, the reaction was scathing. “It was a massive misstep by Arne Slot,” said Hari. “He didn’t read the room. The booing didn’t stop. It just escalated.”

Photo: IMAGO

Trev painted the scene vividly: “Diaz trying to lift the crowd, but every touch Trent had was met with anger. It’s not very Liverpool.” Jim added: “It’s not about punishment. But playing him was unnecessary. He’s leaving. It distracts the team. Full stop.”

Slot’s post-match defence—“Trent nearly won us the game with three great passes”—rang hollow to many. “It’s not about ability,” said Hari. “It’s about timing, sensitivity, and understanding the crowd.”

Champions, yes—but still chasing a perfect ending

Despite the draw, Liverpool remain 15 points clear and already crowned Premier League champions. Yet both fans and players crave a stylish finish. “I want Mo to break records,” said Trev. “I want the team to hit 90 points. This can’t fizzle out.”

There’s also a feeling of transition. With Darwin Núñez seemingly on the way out and Gakpo still under the microscope, eyes are already on the summer rebuild. “You see why the club will go into the market,” Hari noted. “Not just for a number nine, but maybe for that left-wing berth too.”

Looking ahead, fans hope the final matches—against Brighton and Crystal Palace—bring joy and unity, without further off-field drama. As Trev summarised, “We’re champions. Let’s finish like champions.”