Mikel Merino was a hero for Arsenal as he scored to force a comeback in a 2-2 draw against newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday, it was however a bittersweet moment as he was sent off for a second bookable offence, Afrosport reports.
The Gunners started the game in second place just one point clear of Newcastle United following the Magpies’ 2-0 win over 10-man Chelsea earlier in the day.
They were however on the back foot after 21 minutes as Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the early advantage.
It remained 2-0 in favour of the Reds until the 47th minute when Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal.
Merino then levelled matters for Mikel Arteta’s men in the 70th minute for his seventh league goal of the season.
The Spanish midfielder was however sent off seven minutes later after picking a second yellow card for a careless challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai.
A rollercoaster nine minutes for Mikel Merino:
70′ – Scores the equaliser
79′ – Shown a second yellow card to be sent offWhat else will this match serve up?
#LIVARS pic.twitter.com/hFeUuvs0vv
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 11, 2025
The results means Arsenal are just two points clear of Newcastle in second and five points clear of Chelsea who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
The North London outfit will end their season with league fixtures against the Magpies and already-relegated Southampton.
