21.
18:52
Following the shot, a replay shows that Martin Ødegaard had handballed the ball in his own penalty area just under a minute earlier. Beforehand he slides slightly, which means he holds the ball almost like a goalkeeper, but there is still no penalty whistle. The slip probably played a role in the decision, but Arsenal are very lucky here!
20.
18:51
A great combination from the Gunners ends with Ødegaard’s shot, who doesn’t hit the ball properly. This causes the ball to bounce past the left.
19.
6:49 p.m
It’s hectic back and forth. Both teams lose the ball and want to win it back immediately. Single minor fouls are essentially the only breaks teams are granted.
17.
6:47 p.m
The volume at Anfield is fantastic. The team continually encourages the audience to do this.
14.
18:44
On the other hand, Salah is free! A cross from the right bounces high into the air from the crowd in the center and onto the second post to the free-standing Salah. He finishes somewhat awkwardly with the strong left, but only finds the side net!
13.
18:44
The league leader is already countering! Havertz receives the ball centrally, takes two steps and then serves Gabriel Jesus on the right side. He finishes without a start, but lifts the ball over the goal.
12.
18:42
The Reds now seem to be waking up. The crowd is there too, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s next cross flying far past his colleagues and into the goal.
11.
18:42
Luis Díaz is played to the left of the penalty area, but he doesn’t get any real pressure from Ben White. So the attacker moves down to the baseline, only to be blocked.
9.
6:40 p.m
The Gunners are coming into this game extremely well. Now Havertz presses and blocks a pass almost over Alisson and into the goal. The goalkeeper is ultimately able to pull the arc lamp out of the air in time.
8th.
6:39 p.m
The ball goes wide against Saka. Tsimikas is lucky that he gets away without a warning.
6.
6:36 p.m
After a short time the hit is confirmed. Of course, nobody wants to make a mistake here, which is why the check takes a moment longer. But now it’s 0:1!
4.
18:34
Great for Arsenal FC, 0-1 by Gabriel
Was that perhaps offside? A free kick from the left half of the field flies into the penalty area, into which Gabriel runs, rises and nods into the goal. Looking at the replays, it looks like Gakpo narrowly canceled out the offside!
2.
6:32 p.m
The corner is also dangerous! Saka again brings the ball into the center, where one of the Gunners can climb up unchallenged at the first post and head it towards the goal. Instead of going into the far corner, he only extends the ball into Alisson’s arms.
1.
6:32 p.m
There’s the first graduation! Saka crosses flat from the right in front of the goal. Alisson can only hit the bouncing ball forward, allowing Gabriel Jesus to shoot from the second row. A defender deflects the ball to a corner!
1.
6:31 p.m
The ball rolls in Liverpool. The guests from London take over the kick-off. Let’s go on a wild ride!
1.
6:30 p.m
Game start
18:27
Both teams step out onto the lawn of the atmospheric Anfield. It is windy, but no rain is expected. It will not be long!
18:21
This game will be refereed by internationally experienced Chris Kavanagh from Lancashire. The 38-year-old is assisted by linesmen Simon Bennett and Daniel Robathan.
18:13
Liverpool vs Arsenal is one of the most played games in the world. In the top division alone, both clubs have met in 194 games. The slight advantage lies with the Reds. Last year, however, Arsenal had the upper hand when they won the first leg 3-2 before drawing 2-2 in the second leg.
6:05 p.m
Arsenal were already eliminated from the League Cup in the round of 16 and were therefore able to avoid this date. This is also noticeable in the starting eleven, as Mikel Arteta completely avoids changing players. As in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Jesus and the in-form Kai Havertz are all back in the starting line-up.
5:57 p.m
During the week, Liverpool beat West Ham United 5-1 in the League Cup. Traditionally, Jürgen Klopp has at least partially rotated for this. Today the first guard of Alisson, Ibrahima Konaté, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz and Mo Salah returns to the starting eleven. Caoimhín Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Núñez are just watching for now.
5:48 p.m
The Gunners have already suffered two defeats, but still lead the quintet at the top of the table. They won five of the last six games, reached the round of 16 in the Champions League and beat Manchester City in the Community Shield at the start of the season. The long-awaited Premier League title is actually due, but the competition is greater than it has been for years. A victory in direct competition is all the more important.
5:39 p.m
The LFC has only suffered one league defeat so far this season. The Reds suffered their first defeat at White Hart Lane, Arsenal’s biggest rival. Otherwise, Jürgen Klopp’s team only got carried away with wins and a few draws. So many draws that so far it’s “only” enough for third place. The recent 0-0 draw against Manchester United’s rivals is particularly bitter; a flaw that Liverpool wants to correct today.
5:30 p.m
The Premier League offers a real highlight at the start of the Christmas weekend. Liverpool and Arsenal are fighting for the top spot. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. Welcome!