Liverpool vs. Arsenal score: Premier League title contenders split the points in a 1-1 draw at Anfield

Arsenal will sit atop the Premier League table as Christmas time rolls around

In a match between title contenders the points were shared at Anfield in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal. It's a draw that will keep the Gunners atop the table heading into Christmas, but in a chance to pull away from their title rivals, they weren't able to capitalize. It looked like Liverpool would be in for a lopsided loss after Gabriel scored for Arsenal in the fourth minute but a beautiful goal from Mohamed Salah after he was played in beautifully with a long diagonal from Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield in the 29th minute brought things level. 

Both teams had chances over the final hour of the match. Though the best chance of the match fell to Alexander-Arnold in the 72nd minute as Salah led a four-on-one counterattack after an Arsenal set piece. He played the Liverpool right back in, only for Alexander-Arnold to slam the ball of the crossbar from 12 yards out.

Over particular concern for Liverpool in their ongoing title chase will be that they suffered two potentially serious injuries. Left back Konstantinos Tsimikas was forced off in the first half after a sideline collision with his own manager,  Jurgen Klopp. Then in the second period it was Luis Diaz who pulled up injured.

This result will give Manchester City a chance to claw back points when they play their game in hand against Brentford, a match rescheduled as City were busy clinching their first Club World Cup title.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:28 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The points are shared

Arsenal will enter Christmas atop the league for the second year in a row but the real winners on the day were Manchester City as the three teams above them all dropped points during the weekend. Arsenal will be okay with a point especially after Liverpool couldn't take advantage of a five versus two attack in the second half but it was an evenly matched game that deserved for the points to be shared.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:22 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Four minutes of stoppage to come

This has been a time dominated by both of these teams who have scored more goals in the 90th minute or later than any other team in the league.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:16 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Salah is yellow carded

It seems like the card was due to dissent as the energy levels are rising near the end of the match. Both teams know that they need all three points in the clash but neither has found the formula to make that happen.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:14 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

10 mintues remain

And it still doesn't feel like a breakthrough is coming for either side. The Liverpool support is cheering on their Reds but will it be enough to turn a draw into a victory?

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:05 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Liverpool can't capitalize

It was five against two following an Arsenal defensive breakdown and Alexander-Arnold couldn't make the Gunners pay. When moments like this could decide the title race, this is one that Liverpool will want back.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Diaz will exit

It's a triple change for the Reds with Nunez, Elliott, and Gravenberch. Gakpo, Diaz, and Jones will all exit. Trossard has also entered for Martinelli for Arsenal as both teams look to gain an advantage.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:57 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Luis Diaz is receiving treatment

Liverpool were already preparing to bring in Darwin Nunez but things may shift if Diaz can't continue in the match.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:48 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Still back and forth

So far the second half is beginning much like the first ended as there isn't much to split the two sides.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:21 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Level at the break

Despite Arsenal's strong start in the first 15 minutes, Liverpool canceled the advantage out by none other than Mohamed Salah finding the back of the net. During the half adjustments will need to be made by the Reds as Joe Gomez has been quite shaky since entering for the injured Kostas Tsimikas who left the match with a shoulder injury in the 35th minute.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:18 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Four minutes of stoppage time to come

Liverpool had a chance from a free kick to make something happen but Raya was there to claim it. Can anyone find a breakthrough goal before the half?

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:13 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

What a chance missed

Saka coaxed Alisson out of his net with the ball landing at Gabriel Martinelli's feet with the goal only guarded by defenders but he couldn't put his shot on frame to see if anyone could make a clearance. Again, Joe Gomez is shaky in defense and ends up providing Arsenal with chances.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Shaky play

Following adventurous play from David Raya giving the ball to Liverpool Joe Gomez then played the ball into the path of the Arsenal attack. The injury to Tsimikas has disjointed the game slightly as both teams may be ready for halftime to come soon.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:05 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

A sideline collision

Following a challenge there was a collision on the sideline between Jurgen Klopp and his defender Tsimikas as the right back slid off the pitch, Joe Gomez will need to enter as Tsimikas goes right down the tunnel with an injury.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 1:02 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

That answers that question

It's Trent Alexander-Arnold to Mohamed Salah just like clockwork and the match is now level yet again. It was a beauty of a pass from Alexander-Arnold before Salah did what he does best beating Zinchenko before finishing past Raya without the keeper ever having a chance to stop him.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:48 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Can possession become attack?

Arsenal may have the lead 15 minutes in but it's Liverpool that has controlled the ball. If the Reds can settle their midfield to get the ball to the front three, there is space to exploit but possession when Alisson has the second most touches on the team won't breach Arsenal's defense.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:44 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Liverpool can't get a kick in

Gabriel Jesus again has a chance in the box as Liverpool's defense is being carved apart in the early going. Salah had a chance at the other end but he wasn't able to put it on frame to test Raya in net.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:39 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Well that was fast

As Arsenal were putting Liverpool under pressure from the first kick Gabriel got on the end of a Martin Odegaard free kick to put the Gunners ahead only four minutes into the match. With how Arsenal's defense has performed this season, one goal could be enough.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:25 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Almost time to get underway

Will the Premier League have a new leader heading into Christmas? 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:14 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction

This one will be tight and neither side will want to lose or even draw given the advantage that they can have with three points. Expect Arsenal to avoid consecutive away losses but for Liverpool to maintain their formidable home record in an entertaining game. Pick: Liverpool 1, Arsenal 1.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 12:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Will home or away form win out?

Comparing the two sides, Liverpool is one of four sides yet to lose a home game alongside Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City but no team has won more matches away from home than Arsenal's five. While their scoring does take a hit outside of the Emirates Stadium, defensively they've only allowed seven goals away from home which is the best mark in the entire Premier League. Things like this are what makes this match a fascinating clash.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 11:55 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Can Kai Havertz keep it going?

It's business as usual for the Gunners but with Havertz scoring three goals in his last three games, the attack has rounded into form. When both he and Martin Odegaard are in top form, it can give defenses a handful to deal which which is Mikel Arteta's goal on the day.

Starters: Raya, Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Havertz, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus, Saka

[Dec 23, 2023 at 11:47 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Liverpool goes with a makeshift midfield

Darwin Nunez is also benched in favor of Cody Gakpo. While Nunez has been able to provide assists, this is a match that requires a more clinical touch leading to Gakpo's utilization.

Starters: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

[Dec 23, 2023 at 11:34 am ET · Chuck Booth]

How to watch and odds

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 23 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Anfield -- Liverpool, England
• Odds: Liverpool +130; Draw: +260; Arsenal +175
• TV: NBC | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)

For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo's Pro, Elite and Premier plans.

[Dec 23, 2023 at 11:33 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Hello and welcome

Things are getting tight at the upper reaches of the Premier League as only one point separates Arsenal in first from Liverpool in second place. After failing to hold onto their league lead last season, this is a chance for Arsenal to show that they won't fall to the same fate for a second season running.