Arsenal’s position at Christmas and point at Anfield are the same as last season, but Arsenal are not the same as last season. Mikel Arteta’s team top the Premier League for the second Christmas in succession courtesy of some luck here, but also the resilience, composure and belief that deserted them at critical moments in their last title challenge. Anfield, so often a scene of torment for the Gunners, provided hope.
There was no statement victory for either of the top two, and no quarter given in an enthralling draw that left Jürgen Klopp pondering what might have been. Twice the Liverpool manager was brought to his knees. Firstly, when Kostas Tsimikas ploughed into him and suffered a broken collarbone. Secondly, when Trent Alexander-Arnold smacked a glorious late chance to send Liverpool top against David Raya’s crossbar. Klopp also felt his team should have had a penalty when Martin Ødegaard escaped a handball review inside his own area.
