Liverpool vs Arsenal: Salah outduels quiet Saka as PL top two share spoils in Anfield thriller

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Salah outduels quiet Saka as PL top two share spoils in Anfield thriller

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 20:32 - 23.12.2023

Arsenal will stay top of the Premier League on Christmas after a thrilling 1-1 draw with title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield.

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Despite the Gunners' struggles in their previous 10 league visits to Anfield, a spirited start put them in a promising position to break that unfortunate streak. 

Displaying positivity from the outset, the visitors took an early lead as Martin Ødegaard's precise free-kick found Gabriel Magalhães, whose commanding header narrowly avoided an offside call after a VAR check.

Liverpool, known for their ability to bounce back, demonstrated resilience after falling behind, drawing level before the half-hour mark.

 Despite Mohamed Salah initially volleying wide, he made amends, capitalizing on Trent Alexander-Arnold's pinpoint long pass to skillfully navigate past Oleksandr Zinchenko and slotting the ball high past David Raya at the near post.

 The first half provided entertainment, concluding with an opportunity for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who couldn't find the target, leaving Gabriel Martinelli to send his effort wide. 

The second half unfolded in an end-to-end fashion, with Liverpool posing a greater threat. Salah's direct runs troubled Zinchenko, creating an electric atmosphere at Anfield. 

Substitute Joe Gomez nearly made history with a curling effort inches wide. Liverpool had further chances, hitting the post through Harvey Elliot's deflected shot, and missing a golden counter-attacking opportunity. 

Breaking swiftly from an Arsenal corner, Salah led the charge, but Alexander-Arnold's first-time effort struck the crossbar, denying the Reds a late winner.