Liverpool fans taunt Arsenal but Gunners have last laugh with Anfield comeback

Liverpool fans mercilessly taunted Arsenal about their European failures but Mikel Arteta’s side salvaged some pride as they came from two goals down to draw at Anfield.

On an afternoon when academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed by some of his own fans six days after announcing he was leaving the club in the summer at the end of his contract things turned even more sour.

Following an uncomfortable guard of honour for the visitors, first-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz sent the Kop into overdrive in gleefully reminding the Gunners about their Champions League semi-final exit to Paris St Germain.

“Where’s your European Cups” felt particularly savage coming so soon after their midweek heartbreak in France, the opening bars to Allez, Allez, Allez – “We’ve conquered all of Europe” was another dig before the final insult came: “Best team in Europe? You’re having a laugh”.

But it was Arsenal who laughed last as Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino – sent off late on for a second bookable offence – capped a much-improved second-half performance.

However, it was difficult to know which came as more of a surprise; letting a 2-0 lead slip or the reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s 67th-minute introduction.

The abuse online has been relentless for the right-back but there was an expectation matchgoing fans would be more appreciative of a player who has a 20-year association with the club.

Head coach Arne Slot admitted it was not his job to tell fans how they should feel about Alexander-Arnold’s departure – with Real Madrid his expected destination – and it was clear plenty were not at all happy.

He was booed when he replaced Conor Bradley and most of his touches were jeered.

There was a paradoxical moment when, after