Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights: Liverpool battle Arsenal at home (Reuters)
Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights: Liverpool look favourites to beat Arsenal today as the Gunners reel from injuries in defence. Jürgen Klopp’s aggressive style could produce a similar scoreline to the 4-0 win last season at Anfield. But Unai Emery will aim to show his tactical game with limited resources. Liverpool’s last league defeat at home was in April 2017.
Liverpool have played 19 matches in the Premier League out of which they have won 16 matches and drawn three and have not suffered a defeat. They are currently on top of the table with 51 points. Arsenal are lying fifth on the table with 40 points. They have played an equal number of matches wherein they have won 11, drawn five, and lost three.
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Firmino's hat-trick puts Klopp's men 9 points clear at the top of the table. Liverpool's goal difference is +4 when compared to second-placed Manchester City, Liverpool sign off 2018 in some style. Arsenal have a lot to ponder about,
Three minutes added on! LIV 5-1 ARS
Henderson shoots a low and powerful shot but just wide. A little more bend was needed on it. Liverpool have 14 shots on target for Liverpool. Only 8 more Arsenal. Celebratory sing-song at Anfield
Andy Robertson defends well and a goal-kick for Liverpool. That will be his last act and he is replaced by another fullback- Clyne. Seems like 9 points ahead for Liverpool now.
Shaqiri unleashes a shot from distance. Liverpool continues to attack from the edge of the Arsenal box. However, no change in the scoreline, Liverpool playing a 4-3-3 formation now
Liverpool's goal difference is four better than Manchester City. Substitution: Lacazette replaces Aubameyang.
GOAL! LIV 5-1 ARS | Clumsy foul by Kolasinac on Lovren and it's a PENALTY! Firmino converts from the spot kick and that's a HAT-TRICK for the Brazilian
Arsenal look threatening as Iwobi moves swiftly down the left and then puts one in the path of Aubameyang who shoots wide. Offside! Anyway. LIV 4-1
Liverpool enjoying 58% possession compared to Arsenal's 42%. Meanwhile, Liverpool come very close to another goal but Sokratis saves the day for Arsenal Mane misses from close range
Second 45 resumes! One change for Arsenal- Koscielny on for Mustafi. Will there be more goals?
This was a sizzling run by Firmino-
GOAL! LIV 4-1 ARS Salah converts from the penalty spot and Liverpool are ahead by three goals at halftime. Scintillating stuff from Klopp's men, Emery seems bereft of ideas. Can Arsenal change the script in the second half? stay tuned
GOAL! LIV 3-1 ARS Sadio Mane scores from close range courtesy of a fine assist by Mo Salah. Liverpool's movement is ripping apart the Arsenal defence. It was Robertson who put forward a nice pass towards the back post. Salah was there and sends in a low ball from which Mane does the rest.
GOAL! LIV 0-1 ARS And it is Maitland-Niles who has scored his first of the season to give Arsenal the lead! Niles gets on the end of Alex Iwobi's brilliant cross to put Arsenal in the lead. This is a surprise! Liverpool are behind at Anfield
Lichtsteiner passes it to Aaron Ramsey, but the Welshman cannot push it front towards the goa. It was a lovely little run by Ramsey. but to no avail LIV 0-0 ARS
KICKOFF! Mo Salah gets things under way at Anfield. Let's play! It is Arsenal who are able to win an early free-kick. They seem to be playing from the back tonight,
Unai Emery: “It’s a tough game and also the history is very important. We look sometimes at this history, but we want to create a new history with Arsenal."
Jürgen Klopp: “It’s a really good time to be a Liverpool supporter so hopefully we feel that today in the stadium and we can show that on the pitch."
Alisson, Robertson, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Salah, Firmino, Mané. Subs: Mignolet, Clyne, Keita, Henderson, Sturridge, Lallana, Origi
Hello and Welcome to the last match of the day from Anfield where Liverpool battle Arsenal. Liverpool are unbeaten in 30 league home games, their longest such run since a run of 31 between December 2007 & August 2009. But can Arsenal play party spoilers? Added to that is the result of Tottenham who have lost 1-3 to Wolves. Who will win tonight? Stay tuned for live updates