Mohamed Salah and Gabriel both scored as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Anfield.
After setting up an EFL Cup semi-final tie with Fulham during mid-week, attention turned back to the Premier League, where Liverpool had the chance to top the table on Christmas Day with a win against Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp has never suffered a home defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League during his time as Liverpool manager, with the most recent meeting being a 2-2 draw back in April after the Gunners went 2-0 up inside half an hour.
With a few injuries mounting up inside the Liverpool dressing room, Wataru Endo continued to occupy the defensive midfielder position, with the Japanese international quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Arsenal started the match brightly, with the Gunners scoring inside the first four minutes through a Gabriel header from a free kick. The visitors would continue to create chances to increase their lead, despite Liverpool dominating possession.
Bizarrely, Liverpool were denied a penalty as Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard appeared to blatantly handball the ball basketball-style. It’s something you’d think the referee would pick up on, not least the virtual assistant referee. Nothing given.
Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a magnificent ball for Mohamed Salah to run onto, as the Egyptian cut back inside on his left foot and fired past David Raya in goal. A brilliant move from Liverpool and they were level.
The smiles didn’t continue for Liverpool though, as Bukayo Saka went flying into left-back Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek swiping out Jurgen Klopp in the process. Tsimikas will have to endure a spell on the sidelines, with Liverpool’s two first-choice left-backs now injured. Step up, Joe Gomez.
It would prove to be a fairly even first half for both sides as they went into the break level – but the second half would have only produced one winner if the Reds had put on their shooting boots.
Numerous chances, including a right-footed curling effort from Joe Gomez at left-back, almost put Liverpool in front. A five-on-one Reds counter-attack would also result in Alexander-Arnold hitting the crossbar.
It wouldn’t be for either side, however, as Arsenal gained a point on the road and Liverpool dropped two. The Gunners will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.
It’s now two consecutive matches in the Premier League Liverpool will feel like they should have won, but ended up in stalemates. The Reds have enjoyed a better than expected campaign thus far, but will need to turn draws into wins if they’re serious about mounting a title challenge to Manchester City and Arsenal.
Next up is Burnley at Turf Moor, kick-off is at 5.30pm on Boxing Day, 26 December.
Liverpool team: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas (Gomez 35), Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones (Gravenberch 68), Salah, Gakpo (Nunez 68), Diaz (Elliott 68).
Arsenal team: Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus (Nketiah 78), Martinelli (Trossard 68).
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