Arsenal hold off Liverpool and remain at the top of the Premier League

The Gunners obtained a draw (1-1) at Anfield on Saturday, enough to maintain their leading position, one point ahead of the Reds.

Arsenal will spend Christmas on top. The Gunners maintained their short lead over Liverpool by obtaining a draw at Anfield (1-1), Saturday December 23, at the end of an intense match as part of the 18th day of the Premier League. The Londoners opened the scoring with a header from Gabriel, from a free kick at the start of the match (6th), before Mohamed Salah equalized with a tense shot from the left (29th).

Unlike their trips to Newcastle and Aston Villa, where they lost 1-0 each time, the Londoners resisted on the lawn of a big piece of the Premier League. However, they could have faltered in situations to the advantage of the Reds, like this counter concluded by a shot on the bar from Trent Alexander-Arnold (73rd). But apart from Salah’s individual exploit, Arsenal’s defense held up, thanks in particular to the good performance of French international William Saliba.

Like his Blues teammate Ibrahima Konaté on the other side, the former Marseille defender often got the better of opposing attackers. His control was the reflection of an open game, but which was sometimes akin to a game of chess without the immense festival of opportunities expected. Illustration of this game engaged (7 yellow cards) but indecisive and rather locked down, the two teams only had five shots on target (3 for Liverpool, 2 for Arsenal).

Manchester City on the lookout… without playing

This logical draw establishes a status quo at the top, since the Gunners maintain a point ahead of their evening hosts and Aston Villa, held back by Bournemouth on Friday (1-1). This slowed pace of the leading trio could do the business of Manchester City, whose reception of Brentford could not take place due to the final of the Club World Cup, won 4-0 Friday against Fluminense.

The Cityzens are fifth and are six points less than Arsenal, but can halve their deficit if they win this match, the date of which has not yet been defined. This postponement comes at the right time for Manchester City, who have been sluggish for a month in the league (one victory in six games) but who are hoping to get back on track in the coming weeks.