Got a TV Licence?
You need one to watch live TV on any channel or device, and BBC programmes on iPlayer. It’s the law.
Neil Johnston, Emma Sanders and Callum Matthews
All times stated are UK
Goodbye
Time for us to leave it there for today!
We now know that Arsenal will lead the Premier League at Christmas, while Sheffield United will be bottom.
That is all because of a draw between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield and wins for Burnley and Luton at the bottom on Saturday.
There's one more game in this round of fixtures - Wolves v Chelsea. That kicks-off at the earlier time of 13:00 GMT on Sunday so we'll be here from 11:45 with build-up and team news.
See you then.
'Most intense, hectic game I have been involved in'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports: "A big test and we absolutely came through it. The boys were incredible. One of the most intense, hectic games I have witnessed in 20 years in this league which says a lot.
"It was an unbelievable game of football with two teams that raised the bar to another level, both sides wanted to win and played as such. In the last 15-20 minutes our team really wanted to win but we didn't find the right quality moment in the final third to achieve it."
On why the game was so intense: "Liverpool are the best team in the world at making a game like that. One minute we have a chance with Jesus, and the five seconds later the ball is in your own box. Turning around and not living the game every second can cost you. The corner to the five on one in the second half proved that."
On going head to head: "Absolutely. We wanted to do that against a team that plays that way in this atmosphere. To do that today shows that we can go to any ground and play that way. I think there were 'washing machine' moments for both teams.
"We missed some big players when we came here last year, crucial elements that you need to have to be able to play this way against them. We had that today."
See AlsoEverton 1-0 Arsenal: James Tarkowski heads Sean Dyche to a winning start at Goodison ParkArsenal 4-0 Everton: Gabriel Martinelli scores twice as Gunners go five points clear of Man CityPep Guardiola's worst Man City stretch is over with an important win at EvertonMatch Centre | Everton Football ClubOn David Raya: "He was really composed. He played high which meant we could play another way and not have to sit on our own box. He was very good today."
On the Odegaard handball situation: "There were two big decisions, I have not looked at them again yet. I was asked before but I have not seen them again."
On position in the league: "This allowed us to have a beautiful Christmas dinner with our families tomorrow and then back to work to prepare for the next game."
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tells Sky Sports he reckons "both sides spent some time in the washing machine" during the game.
He's in a good mood. A point from Anfield is a good return for any side.
'A point is encouraging for both sides' ambitions'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking to Sky Sports: "The game was exactly what we expected, very intense, tough. They are a tpop team, as are we, so we knew we needed to match them.
"We got off to a difficult start but fought our way back into it. Performed really well, had great spells in the game. And of course on a different day we could have won the game. A point is encouraging for both sides, shows what we could go on to achieve in what remains of the seaso, so both teams will look at it a similar way and think they deserved a point.
On bouncing back after going behind early: "Mentality really. They started better, had a few set pieces and had more momentum than we did. The goal then woke us up. We worked hard, dug deep and found our way back into the game. Excellent finish from Mo, and I think we could have gone on and won the game.
On his pass for the goal: "If I have time and space on the ball I always look for Mo, for the other forward players. I try and play forward as much as I can. There was a ball on in behind and it is about servicing the players that can go on and win us the game. Mo is a gamewinner.
On his missed chance in the 2nd half: "I think the ball bobbled just as I'e gone to hit it. It is one of them I need to score really. If you're on goal like that you need to find the back of the net. We created a lot of chances and on another day if chances and decisions go our way then we win the game.
On the Odegaard handball: "From a Liverpool perspective that is always going to be seen as a handball. The decision didn't go our way for whatever reason, and that probably gets us another goal if it does. From us a penalty is probably seen as another goal, but it didn't go our way."
Saturday's Premier League reports
Been out and about today? Here's what you've missed:
- West Ham 2-0 Man Utd
- Fulham 0-2 Burnley
- Luton 1-0 Newcastle
- Nottingham Forest 2-3 Bournemouth
- Tottenham 2-1 Everton
- Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
'Still too early for title talk'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka speaking to Sky Sports: "I don't think that you can talk about the title yet. I think it is still way too early for those discussions. We will take the point, we are still top of the table for Christmas, which is nice, but it is still too early for title talk.
On Declan Rice's impact this season: "He has brought a lot to the team, made us better. In games like today he breaks up the play so well and wins the ball back and plays forward. As an attacker it is great to play with players like that as they get the team on the front foot. He has been so consistent this season, and another top performance today."
'Says a lot to come away from Anfield with draw and be frustrated'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka speaking to Sky Sports: "I think we are a bit frustrated, I am a bit frustrated that we haven't won, but when you come to Anfield and leave frustrated that you haven't won it says a lot. Credit to Liverpool, they played well, we played well too, so it could have gone either way in the end.
"I think there are certain moments in the game, of course they had their own moments, but sometimes in the final third that final pass or shot did not go the right way, which is frustrating.
On being better defensively now than last year: "I would say 100% we are definitely better defensively. At times today you saw how good our defence is, and our midfield too making sure to help them out at times. Special shout out to our centre back pairing Willie [Saliba] and Gabbi [Gabriel] today, I thought they were top, and dealt with Liverpool's threats loads of times."
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his 57th Premier League assist, the joint-most by a defender in the competition's history, alongside teammate Andy Robertson. Seven of these have been against Arsenal, his most against a single opponent, with no player in Premier League history assisting more goals against the Gunners (Steven Gerrard also seven).
'I don't know how this decision is made?'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to Sky Sports:
On the Odegaard handball: "Yes I have seen it. I am pretty sure someone will come to explain it to me why it was not a handball but I don't know how?
"I don't say that the ref can see it because I don't know where he was in that moment. But how can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly it could be worth the referee having another look?"
'A reality check in a positive way'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to Sky Sports:
On Arsenal: "They 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 the Kostas Tsimikas' injury incident: "Of course it effected me. I had no pain but thought maybe Kostas was going to be fine. I would happily give my collarbone for him to be fit again. It is not cool when something like that happens in front of you and you are involved in that, I was not sure what even happened or if I fell on him. It is not nice to see."
On the goal: "I think the goal was exceptional. The pass, the finish, exceptional quality. I think we would have deserved another to be honest.
"Neither side gave up. Until the last second it was top intensity, everybody felt it, super intense. Tough game, good game, in moments spectacular."
"Absolutely we take confidence from the result. You have to take confidence from these results and performances against a top, top side. We did not play bad against Man City for example but it was not as good as today, and you have to take these things forward."
'One of the most intense games I've seen in 20 years'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "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 plkayers could handle this, it's not easy."
On being top at Christmas: "I'm happy to be where we are. Tomorrow we have a beautiful dinner with our families, then back to work."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply
SMS Message: A draw probably fair. Arsenal maybe ahead in their development but this Liverpool side is resilient and growing. Handball call a shocker. from RH
A draw probably fair. Arsenal maybe ahead in their development but this Liverpool side is resilient and growing. Handball call a shocker.
SMS Message: I'm not really sure how anyone can day that result shows Liverpool are better than Arsenal?! A draw at Anfield is always a better result for the away team than Liverpool. Arsenal will be in the top 2, along with City again I think. from Anon
I'm not really sure how anyone can day that result shows Liverpool are better than Arsenal?! A draw at Anfield is always a better result for the away team than Liverpool. Arsenal will be in the top 2, along with City again I think.
SMS Message: Exciting game, draw a fair result. As an Arsenal fan I’ll take that. We need an out and out sticker. We put some great balls across the 6 yard box and nobody attacked them. Letting Tierney go is looking like a mistake too when we have Zinchenko up against Salah. Work to do in January for both sides if they don’t want to be lacking something when City eventually kick into gear. from Harry
Exciting game, draw a fair result. As an Arsenal fan I’ll take that. We need an out and out sticker. We put some great balls across the 6 yard box and nobody attacked them. Letting Tierney go is looking like a mistake too when we have Zinchenko up against Salah. Work to do in January for both sides if they don’t want to be lacking something when City eventually kick into gear.
'An intense game'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Very good game to play in. We had our moments, them too as they are a good team. An intense game for both sides, we got one point, but now not much time to dwell on it so much."
On whether Arsenal are the best team they have faced: "City are a very good team as well, but Arsenal will be up there, we hope to be up there. We will really push them."
On the Christmas schedule: "We lost a player today as well, it is a delicate situation. On Tuesday we play our third game in nine days, it takes a toll, it does a lot mentally and physically."
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored his 10th Premier League goal against Arsenal, his joint-most against a single opponent (Man Utd & West Ham also 10). The Egyptian now has 121 Premier League goal involvements at Anfield (88 goals, 33 assists), a record by a player at the ground in the competition, surpassing Steven Gerrard (120 – 69 goals, 51 assists).
'For 20 minutes we had them and should have used that'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to Sky Sports: "It was massively overshadowed by Kostas Tsimikas collarbone issue, definitely broken, so he is out for a long time. The other issues we will have to see. It is hard for us to swallow with the Robbo [Andy Robertson] situation.
"Besides the injury, first and foremost I have to say, after what I said in the last week, thank you Anfield. That was exceptional. Arsenal has the better start, with a corner and a free kick, they do that really well. We could have done better [with the goal], it was close, nearly offside.
"After that we really found a way into the game. After half time we should have scored , if we would have won? I don't know but we should have scored. We had the moments, the high press was there too.
"Arsenal are really exceptional but for those 20 minutes we had them, we shattered them slightly. We felt that they were shaky and we should have used that."
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has just told Sky Sports he's "frustrated" that Arsenal haven't won the game.
He adds "that's good if you come here and you're frustrated".
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool have failed to win back-to-back Premier League games at Anfield for the first time since October 2021, when they drew with Man City and Brighton.
'Oh my god, how strong are they?'
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Oh my god, how strong are they? The good news is we are good as well.
"In a game like this, going down early to a set piece is tough, especially with the speed of Arsenal. But the game we played, how we started second half we should have scored.
"We pass instead of shoot, four or five times we do that, it's a lesson. But generally the game is great."
On the Martin Odegaard handball: "The penalty situation is a weird situation, I don't know if the ref can see it, but you look at it and I'm not sure how you can say it's not a penalty."
On the atmosphere: "Thank you Anfield, my god, that's what we can do."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826
SMS Message: I think title will be very close. If I had to pick one it would be City because of their experience but it will be close. Top 4 to be City/Liverpool/Arsenal/Spurs. Relegation: Burnley/Sheff Utd/ Luton . from Alan
I think title will be very close. If I had to pick one it would be City because of their experience but it will be close. Top 4 to be City/Liverpool/Arsenal/Spurs. Relegation: Burnley/Sheff Utd/ Luton .
SMS Message: As a Liverpool fan, I have a gut feeling it is arsenal who will win the title, because they managed to get a point at anfield. But I hope we can give them a run for their money! from Joe
As a Liverpool fan, I have a gut feeling it is arsenal who will win the title, because they managed to get a point at anfield. But I hope we can give them a run for their money!
SMS Message: As for tonight, two very good sides with best defensive Premier League record and result shown it. Thought Liverpool overall was a better team but Arsenal did great job at keeping the score line low... Currently I think/hope Liverpool wins the league followed by Man City and Arsenal. As for relegation it’s current bottom three or Forest to go down from Pat, Watford
As for tonight, two very good sides with best defensive Premier League record and result shown it. Thought Liverpool overall was a better team but Arsenal did great job at keeping the score line low... Currently I think/hope Liverpool wins the league followed by Man City and Arsenal. As for relegation it’s current bottom three or Forest to go down
Post update
FT: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
After this draw, Arsenal will start Christmas Day top of the English top-flight table in two consecutive years for just a second time, after last doing so in 1932 and 1933.
to-topLatest Post
Page 1 of 28
Back to top
As a seasoned football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport, I can provide a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts and events mentioned in the article dated December 23, 2023, from the BBC.
Premier League Standings and Matches:
The article begins by highlighting the current standings in the Premier League as of December 23, 2023. Arsenal is set to lead the league at Christmas, and Sheffield United will be at the bottom. This is attributed to a draw between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield and wins for Burnley and Luton at the bottom. The remaining match in the round of fixtures is Wolves vs. Chelsea, scheduled for 13:00 GMT on Sunday.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Match Analysis:
-
Result and Key Moments:
- The featured match is between Liverpool and Arsenal, ending in a 1-1 draw.
- The report mentions an early goal, intense moments, and a draw being a fair result.
-
Mikel Arteta's Comments (Arsenal Manager):
- Arteta describes the match as one of the most intense and hectic games he has witnessed in 20 years in the league.
- He praises the performance of his team, highlighting the intense nature of the game and the difficulty of playing against Liverpool.
- Comments on the importance of key players and praises goalkeeper David Raya.
-
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Comments (Liverpool Defender):
- Alexander-Arnold acknowledges the intensity of the game and describes it as tough.
- Emphasizes the mentality of the team and the encouraging aspect of earning a point against a top side like Arsenal.
- Talks about his role in providing assists and mentions a missed chance in the second half.
-
Bukayo Saka's Comments (Arsenal Forward):
- Saka downplays talk of the title, stating it's too early for such discussions.
- Praises Declan Rice's impact on the team and his consistency.
- Expresses frustration at not winning but acknowledges the challenge of playing at Anfield.
Other Matches in the Premier League:
The article briefly mentions the outcomes of other Premier League matches that took place on the same day:
- West Ham 2-0 Man Utd
- Fulham 0-2 Burnley
- Luton 1-0 Newcastle
- Nottingham Forest 2-3 Bournemouth
- Tottenham 2-1 Everton
Individual Performances and Records:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his 57th Premier League assist, the joint-most by a defender in the competition's history.
- Mohamed Salah scored his 10th Premier League goal against Arsenal, his joint-most against a single opponent.
Jurgen Klopp's Reactions (Liverpool Manager):
- Klopp expresses frustration at key injuries, particularly Kostas Tsimikas' broken collarbone.
- Comments on the intensity of the game, Arsenal's quality, and the exceptional goal.
- Questions the decision regarding Martin Odegaard's handball and praises the Anfield atmosphere.
Fan Reactions:
The article includes snippets of fan reactions, discussing their views on the match, title prospects, and team performances.
In summary, the article provides a detailed analysis of the Arsenal vs. Liverpool match, captures key moments and quotes from players and managers, and briefly covers other Premier League results. It offers insights into the dynamics of the ongoing football season.
