Electric First Half Fades
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on May 11, 2025, was a tale of brilliance and frustration, as discussed on the Anfield Index podcast. The first half showcased Liverpool’s title-winning form, with Cody Gakpo’s deft header from Andy Robertson’s cross and Luis Díaz’s clinical finish, assisted by Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah, putting them 2-0 up. “Classic Liverpool—flowing, precise,” Hari Sethi said, likening it to past Anfield routs. Yet, missed chances, including Salah’s failure to convert a one-on-one, left Jim Boardman lamenting, “We could’ve been 4-0 up.” Arsenal’s 57% possession and 15 shots, per Opta, hinted at their threat, but Liverpool’s early dominance was undeniable. On X, @LFC praised the “electric” start, though @AnfieldEdition noted wasted opportunities.
Second-Half Collapse
The second half saw Liverpool’s intensity wane. “We stopped running,” Sethi observed, as Arsenal capitalized. Gabriel Martinelli exploited Connor Bradley’s lax defending to score, and Martin Ødegaard’s rebound, after Alisson parried Mikel Merino’s shot, leveled the game. “Sloppy goals,” Trev Downey remarked, pointing to Liverpool’s lapse in focus. Arsenal’s 7 shots on target to Liverpool’s 5 underscored their resurgence, per Sport:60e196. Despite the draw, Liverpool’s 15-point lead ensures their Premier League crown, but fans crave a strong finish against Brighton and Crystal Palace, as @LFCFansCorner urged on X.
Trent’s Toxic Reception
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 64th-minute substitution ignited Anfield’s ire, with boos escalating at every touch due to his looming Real Madrid move. “Arne Slot misread the room,” Sethi criticized, calling it a distraction. Slot’s defense—citing Trent’s three key passes—failed to quell unrest, with Downey noting, “It’s not about talent; it’s about sensitivity.” The crowd’s reaction, described by @ThisIsAnfield as “un-Liverpool-like,” overshadowed the game. With Darwin Núñez’s likely exit and Gakpo’s inconsistency, Boardman stressed a summer rebuild, eyeing a new striker and left-winger to sustain Liverpool’s dominance.
