Arteta says Anfield draw was one of the most intense games in the last 20 years

Arsenal showed the resilience of champions as they left title rivals Liverpool with the point they needed to be the Premier League’s Christmas No1.

Mikel Arteta’s side were also top a year ago before falling away to finish runners-up against Manchester City – but the Spaniard believes this time could be different after surviving a hostile test at Anfield.

‘It was an unbelievable game. One of the most intense I’ve seen in 20 years,’ said the proud Gunners boss.

‘For the players to show the courage and determination, it is a big credit to them.’

‘It shows a lot of consistency for this group to do it for two years. We are where we want to be in the league right now. We will have a beautiful family Christmas.

‘We have more experience than last year. In the last 20 minutes, we were willing to win it.

‘If we have to improve anywhere it is killing games with the dominance we are showing. That’s it, nothing else.’

The Kop was rocking after Jurgen Klopp’s gee-up for more noise and the roof nearly came off when Mo Salah cancelled out Gabriel’s early header.

Liverpool were denied a penalty when Martin Odegaard handled and Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the crossbar following a five-man breakaway but The Gunners dug in to move a point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa at the top.

Last season, they threw away a 2-0 lead at Anfield in April to put the death knell on their title ambitions.

Klopp is also certain Arsenal are genuine contenders. ‘Oh my god, how strong are they?’ he exclaimed.

‘We could have won, maybe should have won. Trent hitting the crossbar should have been a goal. It was two really good football teams. Super-intense.’

Klopp felt VAR should have instructed referee Chris Kavanagh to review his monitor in the first half when