Premier League: Arsenal stay top after thrilling 1-1 draw against Liverpool 

Arsenal remained at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield against Liverpool.

The top two sides settled for a draw as they could not score beyond one goal each in the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal drew the first blood through defender Gabriel as he headed home Martin Odegaard’s free-kick after only four minutes.

Liverpool came back into the game after 29 minutes courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s brilliant finish against David Raya.

Liverpool were denied a penalty appeal but went on to produce better opportunities.

Arsenal were always a threat to their hosts but failed to convert their chances to stay three points clear at the top.

The 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool will delight the new Club World Cup champions Manchester City.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to Sky Sports, said, “They (Arsenal) are a really good side, and we tried to keep it tight but in one moment if you give space they are there to take advantage. Still it ends 1-1 and a point against a good side.

“They have quality and you cannot defend that all the time. When we got more momentum we knew we could not play like that for 90+ minutes, so we had to switch it up a bit.

“I’m not sure if you can use ‘reality check’ in a positive way, but if you are not sure where we belong in the table that result shows that up there is where we belong. Now we have to go forward from here.”

On his part,Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day, said, “An unbelievable game of football, one of the most intense I’ve witnessed in 20 years in this league. For many moments we were on top, in the last 20 minutes we wanted it more, but a draw is a fair result.

“We were determined to attack and cause them problems. They are a team who cause chaos, they are so vertical and direct. They are the best in the world at doing that.”

On the early goal: “It was really loud from the beginning, they did their bit to generate that. I love that our players could handle this, it’s not easy.”