Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday night in a tense clash at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners made the perfect start to a vitally important match as Bukayo Saka latched on to Ben White’s long ball before cutting inside Andy Robertson and rifling a high effort past Kelleher at the near post.
Liverpool were soon back on level terms as Virgil van Dijk nodded in from Alexander-Arnold’s set-piece, but from there Arsenal dominated the rest of the opening 45 minutes, and were ahead once more as Mikel Merino powered a header in from Declan rice’s free-kick.
The second half started with bad news for Arsenal, as Gabriel was forced off with injury. It was then the away side’s turn to dominate, and their attacking paid off as Alexander-Arnold played a lovely pass into the path of Darwin Nunez, who squared it to Mohamed Salah to net the equaliser.
That goal set up a tense finish in north London, and the spoils were shared after an intriguing early season match-up at the top of the table.
Follow all the action from the Emirates with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE
- Arsenal draw 2-2 with Liverpool in the Premier League after a tense encounter at the Emirates
- 81’ GOAL! Salah and Nunez combine to equalise (ARS 2-2 LIV)
- 43’ GOAL! Merino nods Gunners back into the lead (ARS 2-1 LIV)
- 18’ GOAL! Van Dijk nods Liverpool back on level terms (ARS 1-1 LIV)
- 9’ GOAL! Saka beats Robertson and whips ball into back of net (ARS 1-0 LIV)
Arsenal FC 2 - 2 Liverpool FC
Arteta speaks to Sky
19:26 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta says that he is “very proud of the team, for different reasons”.“The quality, the domination, the game that we wanted to play.
“Big chances, then it’s true that we have to make changes, they came out and we didn’t have the courage to play in the first phases like we should have done.
“I think we deserved to win the game, i think we were the better team, but we didn’t [win].”
More from Slot
19:20 , Chris WilsonSlot adds that “the players that came in gave us some new energy. To keep going and keep fighting for a result, that was what pleased me the most”.
“In general, it’s not weird if one team is up, one team is pushing a bit more.
“After having one day less to recover, to come out and have so much energy to get the equaliser [is pleasing].“
“What surprises me is that people say we have an easy start. There is no easy game in the Premier League.
“We faced moe than a few teams that are bottom, and we faced two top clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea, and another today in Arsenal.
“It’s good to see where we are at this moment in time, not only with results but with the way we play.”
Slot speaks to Sky
19:11 , Chris WilsonArne Slot calls the match “eventful” and “exciting”.
“In my opinion Arsenal [are the] first team better than us. If you look at the first half they deserved to be one up.
“We had one day less to preaprare, one day less to recover. Being twice down in this stadium and to still get a point is a good thing.
“It’s a good thing, if you play against Arsenal you normally lose the battle of set-pieces, but we both scored one.
“I wasn’t surprised that we scored an equaliser in the second half, put it that way.”
Saka speaks to Sky
18:55 , Chris WilsonSaka is awarded man of the match for today, though he says he’s “a bit disappointed”.
“Credit to Liverpool but we feel like we didn’t show our best for the full 90 minutes.
“I think first half we showed our qualities, we dominated. But second half, we sunk back a bit, and weren’t at our best.
“I feel maybe Liverpool had more momentum, they won more duels and kept possession more.
“We have to adapt, we have to do our best,” he adds.
On his injury, he adds: “I hate missing games, it was frustrating to be on the side watching. I was happy to be back out there today.
“I’m feeling good.”
Van Dijk speaks to Sky
18:51 , Chris WilsonLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says that Liverpool are happy to take the point tonight.
“Listen, it’s a very tough place to come. They created a solid team and make it difficult for everyone. To come back twice is a good thing, we take the point and we move.”
“They’re very solid in set pieces and I think when I was marked by Partey, he only looked at me. It was a good flick from Lucho [Diaz]. I try to just be important in every set piece that we have and to not concede like we did so that’s very disappointing.”
“[When] you play here in London, they have the fans behind them and they created some momentum. You have to be ready to fight because you will have some tough moments. One point and we take it.”
When pressed on why they conceded, he said: “In my opinion, the first half, we couldn’t keep the ball. If we kept the ball longer we could’ve created a bit more momentum.
“Second half, we didn’t create loads of chances, but we were much more dominant,” he adds.
On his contract situation, he says: “I’m very calm, let’s see what happens at the end of the season.
“I’m enjoying my football, I’m feeling good physically and mentally. I want to keep enjoying the game, it’s a beautiful game that we play.”
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:45 , Chris WilsonWhile we wait for some reaction, here’s a rundown of the other results in the Premier League today:
West Ham 2-1 Manchester United
Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:40 , Chris WilsonThat result means Manchester City end the weekend top of the Premier League table after nine matches. The champions have 23 points, and lie one point above Liverpool, who are in second place.
Arsenal move back into the top four at the expense of Chelsea – the Gunner are third on 18 points, and are five behind City already.
Villa complete the top four – Unai Emery’s side sit fourth, also on 18 points.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:29 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and the spoils are shared in north London. Both sides fought well and, in their own ways, might be happy with that result.
Mo Salah strikes once again to give Liverpool something to take home.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:28 , Chris Wilson95 mins
Trossard clips a ball into Havertz and he wins a throw. Arsenal are in possession but can they find the gaps?
Jesus gets onto the end of Rice’s cross and thinks he’s won a corner, but the referee gives it the other way. That might have been the final chance.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:27 , Chris Wilson94 mins
Not long to go now, though Liverpool look like they might be happy to take this result. Arsenal do not, understandably, though maybe given the circumstances they should be.
The away side come forward again after Havertz is penalised but they’re lacking the urgency they had earlier.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:24 , Chris Wilson92 mins
Gakpo wins a corner after more good defending from Partey. It’ll be Alexander-Arnold to deliver again – but it’s headed away and Nwaneri wins the free-kick.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:22 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Arsenal are certainly going for the win here, and they think they have a goal, but Anthony Taylor has blown the whistle for a foul.
The ball was cleared and Kiwior committed the foul as he climbed over to nod the ball towards Havertz on the edge of the box.
There’ll be seven minutes of added time at the Emirates, as Jones is replaced by Endo.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:19 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Nwaneri swings in the cross and it comes out to Jesus. The Brazilian beats two challenges intelligently, but then blasts an effort too close to Kelleher.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:18 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Liverpool are still dominating as we edge towards the end of normal time. Arsenal do launch a counter-attack though, and it ends with them winning a corner as Havertz stands up a cross towards Jesus at the back post.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:16 , Chris Wilson85 mins
There’s a double substitution for Arsenal as Saka and Martinelli come off for Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:15 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Arsenal do have a rare attack but the cutback is cleared and Liverpool have the ball once more.
Merino’s pass to Martinelli goes out and the pressure continues for Arsenal.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:14 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Liverpool are hunting the winner here as Nunez’s cross is headed away. Arsenal try and counter but they don’t have the options and support up top.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
18:13 , Chris Wilson81 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are level!
Martinelli is dispossessed in the Liverpool box and the away side counter. Alexander-Arnold clips the perfect ball into the path of the overlapping Nunez, and all he has to do is simply square it to Salah, who side-foots past Raya into the net for 2-2!
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:11 , Chris Wilson80 mins
The chance goes begging as Alexander-Arnold clips a ball over the top towards Salah but there’s too much on it.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:10 , Chris Wilson79 mins
There’s a frantic pace to the game at the Emirates now, with Arteta urging the crowd on as Arsenal win a throw.
Liverpool attack but Arsenal have got their shape back and the away side will have to build again. Tsimikas swings it in but White clears, before van Dijk dispossesses Havertz.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:08 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Timber is replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly - a tough test for the youngster up against Salah.
Merino lays off the ball to Havertz on the edge of the box, but the German fires wide and over.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:07 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Half a chance again for Arsenal as they win the ball near the Liverpool box before Trossard tries to feed it to Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s touch is a poor one.
Timber is down again and he’ll probably be going off too.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:06 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Merino is penalised for the foul near the Liverpool box and the away side will come forward again.
Arsenal are still committing plenty of players forward in attack, and Rice wins it in midfield before Saka’s cross is collected by Kelleher.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:04 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Looks like it was just cramp for Timber, so he’ll carry on.
Almost superb work from Havertz on the break to drive past tsimikas and create the crossing chance, but the Greek full-back recovers well.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:02 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Salah latches on to the end of a long ball forward and clips in a great cross that falls to Jone, but his shot is blocked.
Jurrien Timber is down now...
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
18:01 , Chris Wilson69 mins
White, who’s been brilliant so far, does well to clear under pressure from Nunez. Liverpool come forward again though, with Szoboszlai clipping in a cross to nobody that runs out for a goal kick.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:59 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Rice gives away a free-kick and Liverpool have a chance to deliver a dangerous ball in. Alexander-Arnold takes it, but Havertz is first to it before Trossard wins a foul on the break.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:57 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Raya is booked for time-wasting, or delaying the restart. The Emirates is on edge now.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:56 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Liverpool are knocking at the door here but it’s been resolute defending from the home side so far.
They have a brief break after a shot fro range goes flying over.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:55 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Liverpool make three changes as Robertson, Diaz and Mac Allister make way for Kostas Tsimikas, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:53 , Chris Wilson62 mins
A rare attack from arsenal ends with Martinelli’s cross being cleared. Arsenal build again and the Brazilian gets round Gravenberch, but again it’s cleared.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:52 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Martinelli gives the ball away from what should have been a simple pass on the break, and Arsenal have more defending to do as Alexander-Arnold’s shot is deflected over the bar for a corner.
Robertson swings in the cross but Havertz heads away at the near post.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:50 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Liverpool are certainly playing better in this half, though whether or not that has been accelerated by the departure of Gabriel remains to be seen as Alexander-Arnold fires an effort wide from distance.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:48 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Disjointed from Liverpool as Salah drives to the box from halfway but ends up clipping in a cross to an offside Diaz.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:48 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Home fans thought they’d have a great opportunity there but Konate did well to dispossess Martinelli.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:47 , Chris Wilson55 mins
A real makeshift back four now, with only Timber really playing in his usual position (if even that). White and Kiwior are at centre-back, with Partey still at right-back.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:45 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Kiwior replaces Gabriel, and that change has come at a bad time for Arsenal, with Liverpool playing their way into the game again.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:44 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Salah exchanges passes with Mac Allister in the box before sending in a cross that is punched away by Raya.
Gabriel is down again, and he’ll have to come off.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:42 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Diaz does brilliantly down the left to skip past Partey and then White, but he runs out of space and Raya collects.
Gabriel is back on.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:41 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Plenty of concern for Gabriel here, but he’s back on his feet and he jogs off, so he should be okay.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:39 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Half a chance for Arsenal as Trossard sweeps it to Havertz and the German’s cutback is hoofed away.
Meanwhile, a worry for Arsenal as Gabriel goes down under no challenge.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:38 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Gabriel does well to trick Nunez into the foul. Sipke Hulshoff is booked for his protestations.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:36 , Chris WilsonArsenal get the second half started!
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:35 , Chris WilsonThe two sides are emerging from the tunnel again so we’ll be underway in the second half soon.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:31 , Chris WilsonAs already mentioned, it was an intriguing first half, certainly in the first 20 minutes.
Set-pieces have hurt both sides, but Arsenal have had the lion’s share of the open-play chances.
Liverpool remain a threat but they haven’t really got Salah or Jones into the game properly, while Bukayo Saka is running the game down the wing for Arsenal. The away side need to help Robertson out more too.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:26 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:21 , Chris Wilson50 mins
The half-time whistle goes and Arsenal head down the tunnel with a deserved lead.
Liverpool have played their part but it’s the home side who’ve been the more impressive of the two, and they deserve their lead at the break.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:20 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Better from Liverpool as Alexander-Arnold swings in a better cross to pick out Mac Allister, but the Argentinian can only direct his header straight at Raya.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:18 , Chris Wilson47 mins
A rare foray forward for Liverpool ends with Alexander-Arnold clipping a hopeful ball forward, but Raya collects.
Liverpool will need to change something at half-time, if the last 15 minutes has been anything to go by.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:17 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Arsenal pour forward again, with Saka once again the target, but he can’t keep it under control and it’s out for a goal kick.
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:16 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Not sure why the check took so long, but it’s given!
There’ll be four minutes of time added on here.
GOAL GIVEN! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:15 , Chris Wilson45 mins
It’s very close, but it looks like van Dijk’s boot has played Merino inside...
It has! The goal is given, and the Gunners lead again before half-time!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
17:14 , Chris Wilson43 mins
GOAL! And Arsenal are ahead once more!
Simple stuff from the gunners as Rice swings in another inviting free-kick into the area behind the defenders and in front of the ‘keeper. Mikel Merino is there to power in a header!
They’re checking for offside though...
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:12 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Trossard creates some space to hang up the cross but van Dijk heads away easily enough.
Arsenal attack again, with Martinelli sweeping it across to Havertz. Saka delivers the cross but van Dijk heads away again, before Partey is fouled by Diaz near the Liverpool box.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:11 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Nunez flies into the back of Saka near the Liverpool box but no foul is given.
Arsenal have responded well to the Liverpool equaliser but they aren’t creating many clear-cut chances.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:07 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Half a chance as the cross comes in towards Havertz but the German can’t get it under control.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:06 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Konate clears the ball in but Arsenal come again as Partey is fouled near halfway. The home side are starting to dominate proceedings.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:06 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Brilliant dribbling from Saka to evade a couple of challenges before Mac Allister brings him down. The Liverpool man is given a yellow card too.
Another chance for the home side to swing in a set-piece. It’ll be Rice to deliver again – it comes to Merino at the back post, and he hooks it back in. Arsenal work the chance again and it’s fed to Timber, who lays it off to Maertinelli before the Brazilian rifles an effort over from just outside the box.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:02 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Home fans want a penalty as Martinelli wins the ball off Konate and then tries to get away before being taken down by a combination of Konate and Alexander-Arnold.
It looks 50/50, but the referee and VAR wave it away.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:01 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Arsenal are keeping the ball well when they get it, and are more patient that Liverpool’s quicker, more direct style, so it’s an intriguing match-up.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
17:00 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Salah’s cross deflects to Raya, and Arsenal take some time before building an attack.
Trossard plays it to Merino, who sweeps it wide to Martinelli. The Brazilian plays an inviting ball across goal, but Saka misses it and Havertz can’t get it under control.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:58 , Chris Wilson26 mins
It’s pretty even so far at the Emirates, as the scoreline would suggest. There haven’t been any clear-cut chances since the equaliser though.
Liverpool do almost create one as Salah tries to poke it back to Jones, but there’s pinball in the area and Arsenal clear.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:55 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Saka gets away from both Robertson and Diaz, but his clipped ball in is headed away. The home side attack again and Saka cuts in before driving across the box and firing an effort over.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:51 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Arsenal win another free-kick and Rice swings it in. It’s a brilliant ball in, just between the defenders and the ‘keeper, and it comes to an unmarked Merino, but he can’t direct it goalwards! Close from the home side.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
16:49 , Chris Wilson18 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are level!
Alexander-Arnold delivers an in-swinging corner and Diaz flicks it forward at the near post. It comes into the path of van Dijk and he nods it past Raya for 1-1!
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:47 , Chris Wilson16 mins
It’s Liverpool’s turn to press high and it works to an extent, as Raya hoofs the ball out for a throw. The away side have the ball but they’re quickly forced back into their own half.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:45 , Chris Wilson14 mins
CLOSE! Merino misjudges the pass and it rolls under his boot and into the path of Salah. He tries to sweep a first-time effort into the corner, as Raya was off his line, but the Egyptian’s shot is well wide.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:44 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Timber gives it away in his own half and Liverpool have the chance to build something, but it comes to nothing.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:41 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Liverpool were high there, and they paid the price. Robertson struggled last week against Noni Madueke, and he should’ve done better there in truth, but take nothing away from the skill and the nutmeg from Saka.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
16:40 , Chris Wilson9 mins
GOAL! And the home side are ahead!
It’s so simple too, as a long ball is launched forward by White. It’s right into the path of Saka, who cuts it inside to take it past Robertson and then rifles a shot into the roof of the net at the near post!
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:39 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Arsenal are pressing pretty high in the opening exchanges, but there’ve been no mistakes from either side so far.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:37 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Van Dijk gives away a needless free-kick after Havertz nudges him a couple of times and the Dutchman overreacts. Arsenal will have the chance to deliver a dangerous set-piece.
Rice floats it in but the chance goes begging after another ball into the box runs out of play.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:36 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Both sides have had attacks break down due to sloppy passing in the early stages. Alexander-Arnold plays a clever ball forward but Gabriel slides in to hook it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:34 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Plenty of noise around the Emirates as Arsenal start the game with plenty of the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:32 , Chris Wilson1 min
First free-kick is given early on as Saka bundles over Robertson. It’s a dangerous position for Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold will deliver – he whips it in towards the front post but Trossard heads away.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
16:30 , Chris WilsonThe away side get us underway here! An intriguing game ahead.
Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE
16:25 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE
16:25 , Chris WilsonBoth teams are in the tunnel now, so we’re moments from kick-off as ‘north London forever’ rings around the Emirates.
Slot: “It’s even more difficult than Chelsea at home”
16:20 , Chris WilsonArne Slot has emphasised that this week’s match is “even more difficult than Chelsea at home, and we know how difficult that was.”
“Nobody knows who the biggest competitors will be at this early stage, but Arsenal will be one so winning points against them is important.”
On his team’s strong defensive record, Slot said: “There are two reasons why we don’t concede a lot. Most games we have dominated and controlled, so you have the ball but also during difficult parts [of games] our work rate is incredible to not concede.”
Slot added that playing three away games in a row is “part of our lives and it is what the players are used to”.
“You know these challenges are here and they know how to look after their bodies.”
“There were no expectations from me. I was just thinking about how I was going to try and bring the best out of this team. The expectation was in the way I wanted to see the team play and they are matching that.”
Arteta: “We are so energised and are really looking forward to the game”
16:15 , Chris WilsonSpeaking at his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said that his side “are so energised and are really looking forward to the game”.
“It is a big match and big opportunity. We love these kind of matches at the Emirates.
“This is the game. We obviously don’t want to be in the situation but we are lucky to have the squad we have and the attitude to react to difficult situations. We don’t feel sorry for ourselves we face it and we know how good we are.”
Arteta added that he wants his players to carry on playing “with dominance and belief” because their “belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this.”
Liverpool match facts
16:10 , Chris WilsonLiverpool haven’t failed to score in any of their last 17 Premier League meetings with Arsenal since a 0-0 draw in August 2015.
If Liverpool win this game, it’ll be their second-best ever start to a Premier League season after nine games. Indeed, the only other occasion in which they’ve won 24 or more points at that stage of a Premier League campaign was in 2019-20, when they last won the title (25 – W8 D1).
Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (with three), while they also have the lowest ‘xG against’ total (6.2). Their three goals conceded are their joint-fewest after eight games of a league campaign in club history (also three in 1978-79 and 2018-19).
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard closing in on return to full fitness
16:05 , Chris WilsonArsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard could return to action in time for Norway’s Nations League matches next month, according to his national team boss Stale Solbakken.
Norway face Slovenia in Ljubljana on November 12 before hosting Kazakhstan three days later and Solbakken has “justified hope” the Gunners captain will prove his fitness in time to be included in their squad.
Odegaard has not featured for Arsenal since damaging ankle ligaments at the start of September during Norway’s Nations League win against Austria.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard closing in on return to full fitness
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold sets Ballon d’Or target and vows to ‘change the game’
16:00 , Chris WilsonLiverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has backed himself to become the world’s best player and says he aims to be remembered as a “legend” and a player who “changed the game” of football.
The playmaker has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s top talents on account of his range of passing, creativity and set-piece delivery, having already won the league title and Champions League.
While that did not always mean international caps came his way while Gareth Southgate was in charge, he has quickly become interim boss Lee Carsley’s top performer, while also remaining key at Anfield after the change in boss from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold sets Ballon d’Or target and vows to ‘change the game’
Arsenal match facts
15:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal have won their last two Premier League home games against Liverpool – they last had a longer such run between 2004 and 2006, with four.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games against Liverpool (winning two and drawing two), and have taken more points from these four games (eight) than they had in their previous 14 against the Reds (seven points, with one win, four draws and nine losses.
However, after losing to Bournemouth last time out, Arsenal face the prospect of losing back-to-back games in the Premier League for the first time since 31st December 2023 (0-2 v West Ham and 1-2 Fulham). Prior to their trip to Bournemouth, the Gunners had only lost one of their first 25 league games in 2024 (W21 D3).
Gabriel Martinelli has been involved in more goals against Liverpool in all competitions than he has against any other side for Arsenal (7 – 5 goals, 2 assists), while Kai Havertz has scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances at the Emirates Stadium.
Without William Saliba, Arsenal have a 45 per cent win rate and 1.6 goals conceded per game.
Mikel Arteta demands Arsenal ‘get on with it’ amid selection problems
15:42 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has challenged his depleted Arsenal squad to “show their teeth” and “how much they want it” ahead of Liverpool’s crunch visit to the Emirates on Sunday.
The Gunners face being without a host of top stars for a fixture which could prove pivotal in the club’s bid to win their first Premier League title in two decades.
Captain Martin Odegaard and defender William Saliba will definitely miss Sunday’s clash through injury and suspension respectively, while Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are also injury doubts.
Mikel Arteta demands Arsenal ‘get on with it’ amid selection problems
Arne Slot has already counted the cost if Liverpool lose at Arsenal
15:35 , Chris WilsonArne Slot’s preparations for a trip to the Emirates Stadium involved doing the maths. “If you look last season, it was seven points in between Arsenal and Liverpool,” he said. “The home game was 1-1, the away game Arsenal won. So if we could change the away result – which we can’t – to a win for Liverpool, that would have made a one-point difference between the two teams. So that’s why if you play your competitor, those games are vital.”
If it was another way of saying that Sunday’s visit to Arsenal is a six-pointer, it comes with a bigger context. Such season-defining games can decide the destination of trophies. And if Slot is not explicitly saying he is targeting the title, there is a subtext. He knows he is fortunate in his inheritance and often praises his predecessor. Yet it comes with his attempts to improve upon Jurgen Klopp’s recent record.
“If you look at the last two seasons, Arsenal are far ahead of us,” he said. Arsenal and Manchester City are the role models, at least in terms of results. Defeating them over 90 minutes may be the surest way to overcome them over nine months. Slot expects that a high points total will be required to win the league: it means he does not expect the contenders to drop too many against the rest of the league.
Arne Slot has already counted the cost if Liverpool lose at Arsenal
Liverpool team changes
15:30 , Mike JonesArne Slot had pretty much a full squad to select from, excepting a couple of key players like Diogo Jota. The Liverpool boss makes four changes to the side that lined-up against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Andy Robertson returns to the back line with Curtis Jones preferred to Dominik Szoboslai in midfield.
Luis Diaz starts on the left with Cody Gakpo waiting on the bench.
Arsenal team changes
15:24 , Mike JonesWith all the injuried that Mikel Arteta has to juggle its no surprise that changes have been made to his team. There are three changes in personnel from the team that defeated Shakhtar Donetsk during the week.
Riccardo Calafiori is injured so is replaced with Jurrien Timber in the back line. With William Saliba suspended Ben White moves to centre-back as Thomas Partey drops in a right back.
In place of Saliba comes Mikel Merino who slots into the midfield but by far the biggest news is that Bukayo Saka is fit to start and takes the place of Gabriel Jesus on the right wing.
Confirmed teams: Arsenal v Liverpool
15:17 , Karl MatchettArteta puts Thomas Partey right-back in a reshuffle for the Gunners. Jones gets the nod over Szoboszlai for the Reds.
ARS: Raya, Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
LIV: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Arsenal vs Liverpool line-ups
15:16 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2024
🔙 Timber returns
🤝️ Merino partners Rice
©️ Saka leads us out
Let's do this - together ✊
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Team news is in 👊 #ARSLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2024
Team news
15:12 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in a few minutes. We’ll soon know whether Arteta was bluffing or not.
Head-to-head
15:07 , Chris WilsonArsenal and Liverpool have met over 200 times – anywhere between 212 and 242 depending on various criteria. The teams first met in the early 1890s, as Liverpool and ‘Woolwich Arsenal’, in Division Two.
Fast forward well over a century and they now meet at the top of the Premier League. Of the 212 supposedly official meetings, Arsenal have won 73, Liverpool have won 80, and 59 have ended as draws.
The Gunners got the better of the Reds in the league last season, drawing 1-1 at Anfield before winning 3-1 at the Emirates in February. However, Liverpool did manage to win 2-0 in the FA Cup at Anfield at the beginning of 2024.
Arsenal and Liverpool are Premier League allies – but rivalry is brewing among ‘the red cartel’
15:00 , Chris WilsonJurgen Klopp might well recognise something in Mikel Arteta’s words this week. The Arsenal manager insisted his team would be “flying” for Sunday’s home match against Liverpool, despite several absences potentially grounding the Gunners. Such optimism – that can sometimes seem so extreme that it’s delusional – is very much in keeping with Klopp’s approach of only ever speaking positively in public. Don’t let people consider the negatives. The idea is that such assertiveness then manifests in the match itself.
This match may still see a personnel crisis manifest for Arsenal. If all injuries are confirmed, it could ensure Arteta has already lost seven of his best XI for significant games this season. For this game alone, 75 per cent of his preferred defence and 50 per cent of his ideal attack could be missing. Some losses have been partly self-inflicted, the result of red cards, but some have been the rank bad luck of injuries. The frustration is all the deeper since this was supposed to be the season Arsenal closed the fine margins to Manchester City and the title. Instead, such absences open up all manner of space for error. It’s partly why they are now four points behind Liverpool.
Arsenal and Liverpool are Premier League allies – but a rivalry is brewing
Arsenal trio Saka, Calafiori and Timber very uncertain to face Liverpool – Arteta
14:50 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta cast significant doubt over the availability of Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber for Arsenal’s crunch match against Liverpool after revealing the injured trio are “very uncertain” to play.
Saka has missed the Gunners’ last two matches with the hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with England, while Timber has been absent for three games with a muscular problem.
Calafiori added to Arteta’s woes when he suffered a knee injury in Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
Arsenal trio Saka, Calafiori and Timber very uncertain to face Liverpool – Arteta
Arsenal v Liverpool team news: Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Diogo Jota injury latest
14:40 , Chris WilsonArsenal face a big challenge when they play host to Liverpool in Sunday’s headline Premier League fixture with Arne Slot’s men currently top of the league after eight games.
Mikel Arteta’s team hope to get back to winning ways in the top-flight following a shock 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last time out and will bring some confidence into the match after their midweek triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Liverpool were also victorious in Europe, beating RB Leipzig 1-0 on Wednesday but they have had one less day to recover then their opponents which could play a factor in the outcome especially as both teams are missing key players.
Arsenal v Liverpool team news: Saka, Calafiori and Jota injury latest
Predicted line-ups
14:35 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; White, Partey, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Merino; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Team news
14:30 , Chris WilsonArne Slot is without Diogo Jota, who missed the midweek match in Germany, meaning Darwin Nunez is likely to resume his duties leading the attack. Alisson and Harvey Elliott are long-term absentees. While Federico Chiesa continues to develop his match fitness after missing a large period of pre-season.
Slot must decide who plays alongside the impressive Jones, with two from Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch likely to get the nod.
Team news
14:25 , Chris WilsonBukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are back in training but remain doubts. Riccardo Calafiori appeared to twist his knee midweek and is likely to miss out here, leaving Arteta short of options at left-back. William Saliba is also out and suspended after his red card against the Cherries last weekend.
Martin Odegaard (ankle) is nearing a return but will remain out here. Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain out.
When is Arsenal v Liverpool?
14:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal v Liverpool is due to kick off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 27 October at Emirates Stadium, London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 4:00pm GMT. And subscribers can live stream the game through Now TV or Sky Go.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
