Arsenal retained top spot in the Premier League table heading into Christmas following a crucial 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Manager Jurgen Klopp’s comments to Mikel Arteta at full-time spoke volumes of Arsenal’s chances of winning a first Premier League title since 2004.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ header opened the scoring for the visitors before Mohamed Salah fired home to equalise for the Reds.
Martin Odegaard was lucky to escape punishment for handling the ball inside his own penalty box, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold missed a glorious chance to win the game late on.
An intense fixture on Merseyside see Liverpool remain a single point behind Arsenal with some big fixtures to come heading into the new year.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Anfield, Arteta 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.”
In his post-match interview, Klopp was just as impressed with the intensity of the game and the strength Arsenal showed to not buckle under the pressure at Anfield.
“Oh my god, how strong are they? The good news is we are good as well,” the Liverpool boss said.
“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.”
Both managers were seen puffing their cheeks at various moments throughout the game, but the most telling sign of Arsenal’s title chances this season came as Klopp spoke with Arteta at full-time. The Liverpool boss beamed as he told Arteta: “Wow, wow, wow!”
The two managers embraced with the points being shared between two teams at the top of their game.
Arsenal were able to maintain a foothold in the game with huge performances from the likes of Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel despite the pressure from Liverpool with the two sides set to continue their title fight heading into 2024.
