Premier League GW18 - Liverpool vs Arsenal

Liverpool vs Arsenal | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Liverpool and Arsenal engaged in a thrilling match that had major championship race ramifications at Anfield, home of two of the biggest teams in the Premier League. The stage was set for an exciting match that would have fans on the edge of their seats because both teams were fighting for the top slot.

Liverpool:

The home team has the chance to go ahead and needs to win in order to do so going into what might be a crucial game in the battle for the championship. They defeated West Ham 5-1 in the EFL Cup midweek to recover from a depressing 0-0 home league draw against rivals Manchester United, and Jurgen Klopp will be looking for more of the same from his team this time around.

Arsenal:
With just two losses in their last 17 games, the Gunners have amassed 39 points and are presently atop the Premier League standings. Arsenal maintained their top status despite Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Friday; but, Mikel Arteta's team would lose at Anfield, a venue where they have struggled recently.

Starting XI:

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3):

Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Konstantinos Tsimikas; Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo; Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz.
SUBS: Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, James McConnel, Bobby Clark, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Caoimhin Kelleher.

ARSENAL (4-3-3):

David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.

SUBS: Leandro Trossard, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsdale, Cedric Soares, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior.

Anfield Stadium | Picture Credits: SportsPro Media

First Half: Early Drama - Gabriel Heads Arsenal Ahead

Arsenal made a spectacular start and took the lead in the fourth minute. The Gunners took the lead 1-0 when Maestro Martin Odegaard sent a tantalizing free-kick into the Liverpool box. Gabriel, who towered over the defenders, executed a stunning header that flew past Alisson. Odegaard made an early impression with his accuracy and Gabriel's skill in the air.

As tenacious as ever, Liverpool equalized in the 29th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold's magnificent lofted pass over the Arsenal defense demonstrated his playmaking prowess. Seizing the chance, Mohamed Salah moved past Zinchenko, switched to his left foot, and blasted a powerful shot past Raya to tie the score at one. Anfield was electrified by a moment of Salah's pure individual brilliance.

Both teams headed back to their dressing rooms with the score tied at one after the first half. Salah's brilliant finish negated Gabriel's early goal for Arsenal, igniting tension in the second half. As things stood, Arsenal was in first place, so Liverpool wanted to take the lead and take command.

Second Half: Liverpool's Woodwork Woes - Near Misses and Inches Away

Liverpool started the second half on the attack. In the 54th minute, Joe Gomez just missed the post with a curling shot that would have given Liverpool the lead. The home team stepped up their attack, as replacement Harvey Elliott's effort struck the outside of the post after deflecting off Gabriel. In the 73rd minute, Alexander-Arnold's powerful shot struck the crossbar, depriving Liverpool of a late victory, adding to their fury.

Liverpool and Arsenal had to settle for a hard-fought 1-1 draw when the final whistle blew at Anfield. Salah's magnificent goal responded forcefully to Gabriel's opening header. With a one-point advantage over Liverpool at Christmas, Arsenal was still in first. Anfield saw an exciting match that left supporters excited about what would happen next in the Premier League story.

Looking Ahead: Arsenal on Top, Liverpool's Quest Continues

Entertaining developments in the title race are set up by the draw. Liverpool must make the difficult journey to Turf Moor to face Burnley, while Arsenal will host West Ham in an attempt to increase their lead. Football fans are in for more thrilling moments in this compelling Premier League season as the struggle for supremacy continues.

Gabriel scored within 5 minutes as the match started and gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Salah's goal equalised the score to 1-1 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Both teams tried to score and take the lead in the second half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website