Arsenal showed Mikel Arteta exactly what he wanted to see after Liverpool taunts

This was supposed to be a Premier League title decider. But, ultimately, all that was left was a battle for pride as Arsenal fought back from two goals down at half time .

It would not be Arsenal if they did not finish the game with a controversy or ten men - Mikel Merino received their sixth red card of the Premier League season - as they clung on for dear life. There also had to be some frustration for Liverpool because, having been 2-0 up, they wanted to shut Arsenal up once and for all, having already clinched the title.

It was a party atmosphere at Anfield and, after going 2-0 up with Arsenal not at the races in the first half, the home fans chanted: “Best team in Europe, you’re having a laugh.”

Maybe Mikel Arteta was wrong to claim Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League, despite their exit to Paris Saint Germain. But perhaps Arsenal - who had gone through the humiliation of giving Liverpool a guard of honour - dug deep themselves in reaction to some of the barracking and they turned the game around.

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And Liverpool now also have the Trent Alexander-Arnold sideshow. There was a smattering of boos when his name was read out among the substitutes before kick off and the jeers were deafening when he came on after he confirmed his exit this week.

What a sad departure for a homegrown player, a Scouse graduate from Liverpool’s academy and yet the fans chanted the name of his successor, Conor Bradley, with extra gusto just to make a point to Alexander-Arnold.

That feels like a big shame and a sour ending but Liverpool fans are fiercely loyal - and expect the same in return. But now, after clinching the title a fortnight ago, they have lost at Chelsea and have dropped points to Arsenal.

Liverpool have been the best team all season, on a different level to everyone else and are such worthy champions. But clearly that takes its toll and the intensity was bound to drop at some point. Arsenal, who have now managed just one win in their last six league games, came to Anfield still in need of points to secure a Champions League spot, never mind second place.

Bukayo Saka wasted a gilt-edged early chance while they looked as if they had forgotten to score when Thomas Partey robbed Curtis Jones, three players were queuing up to score but succeeded in getting each other’s way.

Liverpool soon showed them how it is done. Arsenal went to sleep at the back, Liverpool took a quick throw, Andy Robertson’s cross found Cody Gakpo unmarked at the near post and he headed home for the 20th minute opener. A minute later it got worse. Bradley started the move, Dominik Szoboszlai raced through and his cross was poked in by Luis Diaz as Arsenal’s defence was ripped to shreds again.

It could have been worse before half time but the visitors finally took a chance within two minutes of the restart. Leandro Trossard’s cross from the left found Gabriel Martinelli and his glancing header crept inside the far post.

That saw them grow in confidence. Odegaard’s fierce drive was brilliantly saved by Liverpool keeper Alisson who pushed the ball onto the post but there was Merino following in to head home the rebound.

From there, it looked as if Arsenal might push on to win it. But Merino’s sending off meant it followed a familiar script. Booked in the first half for a foul, Merino lost the ball on the edge of the box, skewered Szoboszlai with an awful challenge and off he went.

Arsenal were hanging on. Odegaard put one just wide after a counter attack. Liverpool thought they had scored a 95th minute winner but there was a clear foul before Robertson bundled in. For once, Arsenal will not be complaining about a decision.

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