Liverpool secured a hard-fought draw for the second consecutive match in the Premier League, settling for a 1-1 stalemate against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday night.
Despite having several opportunities to clinch a victory, the Reds squandered chances and were unable to capitalise on their dominance.
Jurgen Klopp’s side found themselves trailing after just four minutes as Gabriel’s header from a set-piece gave the Gunners an early lead from 10 yards out.
However, Mohamed Salah managed to equalize for the hosts before the half-hour mark, courtesy of a superb assist from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
In the second half, Alexander-Arnold struck the crossbar, but Mikel Arteta’s men managed to hold firm and secure a point.
Liverpool currently occupy the second spot in the league standings, trailing leaders Arsenal by just one point.
They have the opportunity to temporarily overtake the Gunners if they secure a victory against Burnley on Boxing Day at Turf Moor.
For a comprehensive analysis of Liverpool’s notable performance and a preview of the upcoming Burnley clash, David O’Connell, the owner of Daveockop.com and known on Twitter as @DaveOCKOP, offers an insightful breakdown.
Liverpool held again at Anfield, this time by Arsenal. Is it two points dropped for the Reds?
Dave: I feel it is two points dropped but at the same time Arsenal could have won the game too. Overall I believe Liverpool had the most goal-scoring chances. Arsenal should have conceded a penalty, the ball bobbled just before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crossbar effort. I think Mikel Arteta will be happier than Jurgen Klopp.
Wataru Endo was once again immense in midfield. What a game he had against the Gunners!
Dave: Wataru Endo was absolutely incredible. His best performance yet in Red, a top-of-the-table clash. He’s shown he has the ability to play at the highest level. If he keeps improving he can be a Mascherano-type player for Liverpool breaking up play. Klopp showed his trust in him. He subbed others off ahead of him even with the Japanese international on a yellow card and pushed that to the limit with tackles at times.
Liverpool’s injury problems are piling up with Kostas Tsimikas the latest player set to be out for weeks. A concern for a Jurgen Klopp?
Dave: A huge concern. There is no natural first-team left full-back now available. Joe Gomez is likely to start the next few games at left back although Conor Bradley might push him close. With Gomez playing a left back, a recent injury for Joel Matip it means Liverpool are really limited in the centre back position. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool considered a signing in January now.
The Reds face Burnley next on Boxing Day. Any changes you would like to make to the starting XI?
Dave: I’d like to see Núñez come back into the XI. I don’t think Cody Gakpo had the impact he’d have hoped. Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones, Diaz, Núñez, Salah.
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