Liverpool supporters ruthlessly mocked Arsenal for their past letdowns in European competitions, but Mikel Arteta’s team managed to restore some dignity by rallying from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw at Anfield.
During the match, homegrown player Trent Alexander-Arnold faced jeers from some of his own fans after announcing his upcoming departure from the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, adding to the discord.
After an uncomfortable display of respect from the home crowd towards the visiting team, first-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz ignited the Kop in enthusiastically reminding the Gunners of their Champions League exit against Paris St Germain.
The chanting of “Where’s your European Cups” stung particularly hard following Arsenal's recent disappointment in France, while the familiar lyrics of Allez, Allez, Allez – “We’ve conquered all of Europe” – further rubbed salt in the wound before the final jab: “Best team in Europe? You’re having a laugh”.
However, it was Arsenal who had the last laugh as Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino – who was later shown a red card for a second yellow – sealed a vastly improved second-half performance.