Arsenal on Top Entering Xmas After Sensational Liverpool Draw
Arsenal faced one of the most challenging fixtures in the Premier League schedule when they travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
The victor would have secured the privilege of topping the league at Christmas, however this draw opens the opportunity for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to contend for top spot as well.
Arsenal and Liverpool drew 1 – 1 on Saturday night
Gabriel Magalhaes provided an early advantage for the Gunners by rising highest from a Martin Odegaard free-kick, eluding the offside trap and defeating Alisson in the process.
Mohamed Salah leveled the score after effortlessly getting past Oleksandr Zinchenko, delivering a powerful shot high past David Raya. Kostas Tsimikas had to exit the field, making way for Joe Gomez, following a collision with Saka.
Both Harvey Elliot and Trent Alexander-Arnold subsequently struck the post and bar, respectively.
Here’s what Mikel Arteta had to say as quoted by The Guardian
“I think the boys were incredible
It was one of the most intense, hectic games I have seen in over 20 years in this league. That tells you a lot. It was an unbelievable game of football between two teams who raised the bar today.
“Both wanted to win it and there was moments for both sides during the game. During the last 15 or 20 minutes our team really weanted to win the game but we didn’t find the right pass or right quality moment in the final third to achieve that.”
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp commented
“It was massively overshadowed by Kostas Tsimikas collarbone issue, definitely broken, so he is out for a long time
“The other issues we will have to see. It is hard for us to swallow with the Robbo [Andy Robertson] situation.
“Besides the injury, first and foremost I have to say, after what I said in the last week, thank you Anfield. That was exceptional. Arsenal had the better start with a corner and a free kick. They do that really well. We could have done better [with the goal], it was close, nearly offside.
“After that we really found a way into the game. After half time we should have scored. We had the moments, the high press was there too.
“Arsenal are really exceptional but for those 20 minutes we had them, we shattered them slightly. We felt that they were shaky and we should have used that.”
What’s next for Arsenal
Arsenal are set for another tough match against London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates on Thursday, 28 December.
What’s next for Liverpool
Liverpool remain at home in their Boxing Day fixture against Burnley.